Pelicans' Zion Williamson gets $39.4 million contract update
The New Orleans Pelicans had to decide by this week whether they'd guarantee Williamson's $39.4 million salary for the 2025-26 season. According to The Athletic, they've chosen to indeed guarantee the deal.
Here's the breakdown from The Athletic's William Guillory:
If the Pelicans had placed Williamson on waivers before Tuesday, they would've been on the hook for only a portion of his $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season. The final two seasons of his contract would have also been wiped off the books.
Instead, New Orleans remains committed to its oft-injured star, hoping he can pick up where he left off last season and again show potential as a franchise cornerstone.
Given his extensive injury history, the Pelicans included stipulations to Williamson's current contract to protect the team in case the former No. 1 pick continued to miss significant time due to injuries or ongoing issues with conditioning.
Twenty percent of Williamson's salary for each season becomes guaranteed if he passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the prior season, another 40 percent if he plays in at least 41 games in the previous season, an additional 20 percent if he plays in at least 51 and the final 20 percent if he plays in at least 61 games.
MORE: LeBron James trade, buyout rumors take 180-degree turn
Williamson played in 30 games in 2024-25.
Still just 25 years old, Williamson shone brightly on the court. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and a career-high 5.3 assists per game.
Williamson has often seemed to be involved in trade rumors in his time in New Orleans.
It's a tricky situation, given Williamson's immense talent but also propensity to get hurt.
In the end, the Pelicans couldn't really choose to get rid of him for nothing. His contract is locked in for this season, and they can figure out how to proceed from here.
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