It’s Official! Zion Williamson Signs with New Agency After 5-Year Partnership Ends

Zion Williamson has made a major decision regarding his representation, officially parting ways with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) after five years. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Williamson has signed with Bill Duffy of WME Sports as his new agent. Duffy, a veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, boasts an impressive client roster, including Luka Dončić, Deandre Ayton, and RJ Barrett.

This move caught the NBA world by surprise, especially since Williamson still has four years remaining on his current contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. However, it appears the decision to leave CAA was fueled by mounting frustrations dating back to his entry into the league.

Why Zion Left CAA

Reports suggest Zion's dissatisfaction with CAA stemmed from two primary factors:

1. Draft Day Disappointment: Zion reportedly wanted CAA to orchestrate a trade that would have sent him to the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft. However, no such deal materialized, and he was instead selected first overall by the Pelicans.
2. Unfavorable Contract Terms: In 2022, Zion signed a five-year, $197 million rookie max extension with New Orleans. The deal lacked several key provisions typically seen in contracts of this magnitude, such as player or team options and trade bonuses. Moreover, it included clauses tied to his weight, playing time, and other conditions—factors that have reportedly caused frustration over time.

By aligning with Duffy, Williamson hopes for better advocacy and strategic maneuvering as he navigates the next chapter of his NBA career.

Zion’s Injury-Plagued Season

Williamson’s decision to change representation comes amidst a challenging season. The star forward has been hampered by a left hamstring injury, appearing in just 6 of the Pelicans' first 21 games. In those limited appearances, Zion has averaged 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. While these numbers are respectable, they fall short of the dominant performances fans have come to expect.

Adding to Zion’s struggles, his usage rate of 33.5% ranks third in the NBA, signaling his significant role in the Pelicans’ offense when healthy. Yet his limited availability has been a recurring issue throughout his career, raising concerns about his long-term durability.

The Pelicans’ Injury Woes

Zion’s injury is just one piece of a much larger problem for the Pelicans this season. Key players like Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and Trey Murphy III have all missed significant time. According to data, the Pelicans have already utilized 15 different starting lineups in their first 20 games, a glaring indication of their struggles to field a consistent roster.

Here’s a snapshot of the Pelicans’ injury challenges:

• Jamal Murray: Missed 17 games
• Zion Williamson: Missed 15 games
• CJ McCollum: Missed 13 games
• Trey Murphy III: Missed 13 games
• Jordan Hawkins: Missed 10 games
• Jose Alvarado: Missed 10 games
• Brandon Ingram: Missed 5 games

The result? A dismal 4-17 record, leaving the Pelicans at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Their win-loss record is only marginally better than the league-worst Washington Wizards (2-16).

What’s Next for the Pelicans?

With injuries derailing their season, many analysts believe the Pelicans are better off embracing a rebuilding strategy rather than chasing an increasingly unlikely playoff spot. The 2025 NBA Draft, headlined by consensus top prospect Cooper Flagg, could offer a silver lining if the Pelicans decide to “tank” and secure a high lottery pick.

A New Beginning for Zion

For Zion, signing with Duffy represents more than just a change in representation—it’s a statement. Whether the move signifies a potential desire to explore opportunities beyond New Orleans or simply a push for better contract negotiations in the future, it’s clear Zion is taking greater control of his career.

The road ahead remains uncertain for Williamson and the Pelicans. But one thing is certain: Zion’s decision to part ways with CAA marks a pivotal moment in his journey, signaling a renewed focus on achieving his goals both on and off the court.