The New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson’s Contract
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to secure Zion Williamson’s contract in its entirety for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, according to insider reports from The Athletic. Initially, if the team had opted to release Williamson before the looming deadline, they would only be responsible for a fraction of his hefty $39.4 million salary for the season, while also eliminating the final two years of his contract from their payroll obligations.
Commitment to the Superstar
However, the franchise is standing firm in their commitment to the injury-prone superstar, with aspirations that he can resume the form he displayed before his injuries last year, serving as a potential cornerstone for the team’s future.
Contract Clauses and Performance Metrics
Williamson’s current contract includes specific clauses designed to shield the Pelicans in the event that the former first overall draft pick continues to face injury setbacks or struggles with his fitness. Notably, 20% of his salary for each season is guaranteed contingent upon him successfully passing all six of his weigh-in checks from the previous season. Furthermore, 40% becomes assured if he plays at least 41 games in the prior season, 20% if he reaches 51 games, and the final 20% if he appears in at least 61 games.
At just 30 appearances last season, Williamson had the option for the Pelicans to waive him before July 15, but the brief period he was healthy saw him achieve impressive statistics, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-high 5.3 assists while logging only 28.6 minutes per contest.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Williamson’s contract could again be fully guaranteed for 2026-27 should he remain with the team past the July 15, 2026 deadline. The same conditions apply for the 2027-28 season, where he could also secure portions of his salary through the same performance metrics from the previous year.
Team Commitment and Expectations
There have been ongoing speculations regarding Williamson’s standing with the Pelicans, yet the team’s executive vice president, Joe Dumars, has recently reiterated the franchise’s dedication to retaining him and constructing the team around his talents.
“We’re going to continue to move forward with him as the face of the franchise,”
Dumars conveyed in an interview with WDSU News in New Orleans, emphasizing that there are expectations of responsibility and accountability associated with it.
Challenges Ahead
The future of Williamson in New Orleans post-2025-26 will largely hinge on his ability to perform this season, particularly as he aims to lead a youthful roster that now faces expectations as contenders within the Western Conference playoff race. Furthermore, the franchise’s decision to trade an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks for former Maryland standout Derik Queen, selected 13th overall in the 2025 draft, adds a layer of pressure regarding Williamson’s fitness and productivity. Should he encounter further issues with injuries, the implications for his tenure with the Pelicans will undoubtedly be scrutinized closely, especially in light of the draft pick deal.
