While new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said he had been “advised not to venture into any of his legal issues” in an interview with The Times-Picayune, he made it clear the team intends to build around its former No. 1 overall pick.

New Orleans Pelicans leadership has indicated they are planning to stick with Zion Williamson as the face of the franchise going forward.

Newly hired New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Times-Picayune the franchise will continue to build around Zion Williamson as its star player, settling speculation that Williamson could be either a trade candidate or could get cut outright amid new legal issues.