Zion Williamson’s Pelicans contract no longer guaranteed for final 3 years
When the New Orleans Pelicans extended the contract of Zion Williamson in July 2022, it was a jubilant moment for the franchise. New Orleans had managed to lock up Williamson for five additional years for $197 million, ensuring the star selected No. 1 overall in 2019 would remain in town.
Contractual Limitations for Williamson
According to The Athletic, the final three years of Zion Williamson's contract with the New Orleans Pelicans are no longer guaranteed. Last season, Williamson was only able to play in 29 games due to his health, triggering a clause that made his salary for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 seasons non-guaranteed. While the Pelicans have the power to waive him without financial ramifications after the 2024-25 season, it is unlikely to happen unless extreme circumstances arise.
The contract also includes stipulations for Williamson to earn back his guarantees by playing a certain number of games and meeting specific weigh-in checkpoints. However, rival team executives do not believe that the Pelicans would waive him, as the contract provides flexibility and allows for potential trades with lowered risk.
Complexity of Williamson's Contract
Zion Williamson's contract is highly unusual, with multiple layers of protection and potential for re-guaranteed salary. The deal requires Williamson's weight and body fat percentage to remain within certain limits, and failure to meet these targets could result in further loss of guarantees. The contract also includes provisions to address potential foot injuries and hardware failures related to his right foot. While the complexity of the contract is unique, the NBA has seen similar contracts that offer injury and playing time protections for players.
In his first year of the five-year extension, Williamson's availability and conditioning have become major talking points. While he has played in 23 out of 28 games so far and is averaging 22 points, questions have been raised about his conditioning and work ethic. The Pelicans had anticipated such uncertainties when negotiating the deal last year.
Hope for Williamson's Success
Both the Pelicans and Zion Williamson are invested in seeing the contract play out successfully. The Pelicans have protections in place against worst-case scenarios, but they would prefer to see Williamson dominate on the court and be handsomely paid. Williamson has expressed his desire to stay on the court and play, emphasizing his commitment to his health and conditioning.
While there are vesting dates and milestones for Williamson to re-guarantee portions of his salary, the contract terms ensure a measure of security for both the team and the player. The Pelicans have the flexibility to make decisions based on Williamson's performance and health, potentially making it easier to trade him if necessary.
