Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans intend to agree to terms on a rookie max contract extension that could pay up to $231 million. The basketball sensation missed all of last season with a foot injury but has undoubtedly been electric when he has been healthy enough to play for the team. New Orleans has put a lot of faith in the young forward and now the goal will be to keep him healthy. Winning more games with the current core has become a primary focus after last year’s surprise appearance in the NBA Playoffs.
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is nearing a five-year rookie max contract extension worth up to $231 million, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The commitment will take Williamson’s new deal through the 2027-28 season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022
In his three-year career with the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson averaged 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 60.4 percent and a three-point percentage of 33.3 percent. The return of Williamson to the court after the team made the playoffs should have them poised to improve their seeding in the Western Conference. His long-term health will still be prioritized moving forward.
Nope.
Zion Williamson isn’t eligible for that big of a salary, yet. What they are doing is putting in Designated Rookie Extension language that COULD get him to that big of a salary.
He’d have to make All-NBA this season, win MVP or win DPOY. Otherwise, he’ll get around $193M. https://t.co/f0ZBvgrdP0
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 1, 2022
Zion Williamson now has millions of incentives to play well this upcoming season. He will be eligible to make the full amount of money on his new deal if he makes an All-NBA team. The Pelicans are building a potential contender for the future.
