Recently in Paris, Zion Williamson continues despite everything to prepare for the new season with the Pelicans. The colossus hopes to help his team in the playoffs, even if there are many unknowns. Among them ? His future contract, since the Pelicans have decided to protect themselves. If injured, Duke’s product could lose big.
At the bottom of the Western Conference last season, the Pelicans could have collapsed. Instead, the front office took action, going to recover CJ McCollum from the Blazers, for a rather modest consideration. An effective choice, since New Orlean was invited to the first round of the playoffs, while taking two games from the Suns of Devin Booker. It’s not a total success, but it’s a start for the Louisiana franchise.
After years of hardship, supporters begin to dream. Is it possible to compete for the title? Maybe not, but with McCollum, Brandon Ingram and especially Zion Williamson, some dream of a big run in the playoffs. Unfortunately, difficult to approve, since this trio has not yet had the opportunity to play a single minute. The reason is simple: Zion, who had a blank season after his foot surgery.
Zion Williamson’s danger to the Pelicans
The good news is that he is now physically fit and determined to help the Pelicans next season. Bonus ? He signed a 5-year contract extension, but with some protections for New Orleans, according to Keith Smith. If Williamson wants a big salary and above all secure his future in the NBA, he will have to make his health a priority.
There are no options in Zion Williamson’s contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, as David Griffin told us. There is also no trade bonus.
The Pelicans do have protections in the deal should Williamson miss significant games in the future, a league source tells @spotrac.— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 10, 2022
No options on Zion Williamson’s contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, as David Griffin has indicated. Also no trade bonus. The Pelicans have protections, however, if Williamson misses a significant number of games in the future.
Clearly, if Zion misses too many games, we imagine that his salary will drop significantly, to avoid impacting his team’s finances. It’s not good news for the player, especially given the start of his career. Hopefully he follows the same script as Joel Embiid, who signed a similar deal with the Sixers, for the sequel we know today.
Zion Williamson dreams of performing with the Pelicans, but his priority must clearly be his health. The interior must do what is necessary, especially after three mixed first seasons in the NBA. The talent is there for the colossus, but it’s up to him to prove it now.