It feels like a lifetime ago that a simple gender reveal video turned the NBA world upside down. But if you’ve been following the saga of Moriah Mills and Zion Williamson news, you know that the drama didn't just fade away after the initial Twitter explosion. In fact, it morphed from a viral social media meltdown into a complex web of legal threats, career-altering contract clauses, and a total shift in how the New Orleans Pelicans view their franchise cornerstone.
Honestly, the whole thing is kinda wild when you look at the timeline.
One minute, Zion is smiling next to his partner, Ahkeema, celebrating the upcoming birth of their daughter. The next, adult film star Moriah Mills is launching a scorched-earth campaign on X (formerly Twitter), claiming she was in a committed relationship with the NBA star just days prior. She wasn't just talking, either. She was posting screenshots, mentioning "trap phones," and threatening to release explicit tapes that she claimed would end his career.
Why the Moriah Mills and Zion Williamson news actually mattered
A lot of people dismissed this as just another "clout-chasing" story. But for Zion, the stakes were never just about his reputation.
Because of the unique structure of his $197 million contract, Zion’s off-court stability and physical health are inextricably linked. When the Moriah Mills news broke in 2023, it coincided with growing frustration over Zion's availability. Since then, we've seen a pattern: every time Zion starts to gain momentum on the court, his past seems to catch up with him in the headlines.
💡 You might also like: How Tall is Aurora? Why the Norwegian Star's Height Often Surprises Fans
Fast forward to late 2025 and early 2026. The situation hasn't stayed in the past.
- The Legal Pivot: In May 2025, a separate "Jane Doe" filed a lawsuit against Williamson alleging sexual abuse and rape during a relationship that spanned from 2018 to 2023.
- The Moriah Connection: Shortly after those allegations surfaced, Moriah Mills reportedly contacted high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee—the man who represented the accusers in the Deshaun Watson case.
- The Fallout: While Buzbee eventually declined to take on Mills' case, the mere mention of her re-entering the legal fray sent shockwaves through the Pelicans organization.
The contract "Death Clause" and the Pelicans' dilemma
You've probably heard the rumors that the Pelicans might waive Zion. It sounds crazy to cut a guy who can drop 26 points on 60% shooting in his sleep. But here’s the thing: because Zion played fewer than 22 games in previous seasons, large chunks of his remaining salary became non-guaranteed.
Basically, the Pelicans now have the power to walk away from his contract with much less financial pain than a standard max deal would allow.
As of January 2026, Zion has been playing some of the most efficient basketball of his career, averaging 22.8 points and shooting nearly 60% from the floor. Yet, he's still missed significant time this season—including a stretch for a right hip adductor strain. The team is currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference at 9-33. When you have a superstar who is "available" only about 50% of the time, and whose name is constantly linked to tabloid-style drama, the front office starts looking at the "waive" button.
📖 Related: How Old Is Pauly D? The Surprising Reality of the Jersey Shore Icon in 2026
What most people get wrong about Moriah Mills
The common narrative is that Moriah Mills was just a scorned ex-lover. But if you dig into the 2025-2026 updates, there’s a deeper layer of "emotional distress" claims that she’s been pushing. She recently claimed in interviews that the "bashing and slander" she received after coming forward caused her severe mental health issues.
On the flip side, Zion’s legal team has been aggressive. They’ve labeled these various claims as extortion attempts. They even pointed to an arrest warrant for a different woman involved in his personal life as evidence that Zion is a target for financial exploitation.
It's a messy, "he-said, she-said" situation that has overshadowed his actual talent.
The 2026 Trade Deadline: To Move or Not to Move?
The latest word from NBA insiders like Chris Haynes is that the Pelicans are telling teams Zion is not on the trade block for the February 2026 deadline. This has "disappointed the market," as several teams were hoping to buy low on the generational talent.
👉 See also: How Old Is Daniel LaBelle? The Real Story Behind the Viral Sprints
Why keep him?
- Asset Value: Selling him now, when his reputation is hit by both injury and drama, would return pennies on the dollar.
- The New Blood: The Pelicans are currently high on rookies like Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears. They might be hoping Zion can serve as a bridge—or a veteran presence—though "veteran presence" isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind with his recent history.
- The Contract Power: Since they can waive him or keep him on a non-guaranteed basis later, there’s no rush to dump him for a bad trade package.
How this affects his legacy and your fan experience
If you're a fan of the game, the Moriah Mills and Zion Williamson news is a tragedy of "what ifs." We are watching one of the most physically dominant players in history have his prime years eaten away by a combination of soft-tissue injuries and personal distractions.
His signature Jordan shoe line continues to release new models, and he still pulls off dunks that make your jaw drop. But the "aura" of being the next Face of the NBA has largely evaporated.
Next Steps for Following This Story:
- Watch the July 15, 2026 Deadline: This is the date when the Pelicans must decide if they will guarantee Zion's salary for the 2026-27 season. If they don't, he could potentially become a free agent or be waived.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Zion's ability to play through the end of the 2026 season without another "strain" or "contusion" is the only thing that will quiet the trade rumors.
- Check Court Records in LA and New Orleans: The Jane Doe lawsuit is still moving through the system, and any deposition from Zion or his associates could bring new details to light regarding the Moriah Mills era.
Ultimately, Zion is at a crossroads. He can either be the comeback story of the decade or the biggest "bust" in NBA history—not because he couldn't play, but because the noise off the court became louder than the cheers on it.