New and unusual details of Pelicans star Zion Williamson’s contract paint a picture of a potentially fraying relationship between the once-highly touted rookie and New Orleans.
Amid resurfacing concerns of Williamson’s persistent availability issues, the Pelicans could be at their rope’s end with the two-time All Star as they have opted to protect themselves if Williamson misses more time in the future.
In Williamson’s five-year extension signed in July of 2022, the last three years of the deal are no longer guaranteed, according to a recent report by The Athletic.
The former No. 1 pick sat out of more than 22 games last season, which triggered a clause that turns his salary from guaranteed to non-guaranteed for the 2025–26, 2026–27, and 2027–28 seasons. Should Williamson also miss a significant number of games this season, he could take a financial hit in the 2024–25 season as well.
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Williamson’s extension reportedly includes ways for him to earn back the lost guarantees by hitting specific benchmarks. At the same time, Williamson could lose more money if he doesn't pass “regular checks of his weight and body fat.” For example, one clause in his contract dictates that the sum of Williamson's weight and body fat percentage must be lower than 295.
The Pelicans and Williamson’s agent declined to comment on contract matters to The Athletic.
Williamson, currently in the first year of his five-year, $197 million extension, has found himself back in the spotlight due to re-emerging questions over his fitness level. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal were a few of the many critics taking shots at Williamson’s health and conditioning this past month following the Pelicans’ 44-point loss to the Lakers in the in-season tournament semifinal on December 7.
The 23-year-old Williamson has only played 137 games in the last five seasons and missed the entire 2021–22 campaign due to a foot injury. He has managed to stay healthy so far this campaign, averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 23 games.
Whether Williamson can maintain his production and his health for the rest of the year (and the long-term) remains up in the air. At the very least, the Pelicans are guarding themselves from future disappointment.
