Zion Williamson’s new max contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans includes a weight clause, According to Christian Clarke. Williamson will make weight periodically during the contract, and if his weight plus body fat percentage exceeds 295, he could lose money.
Despite some speculative discussions about Williamson’s future with the Pelicans over the past few months, there has been no drama when he becomes eligible to sign a new contract. Williamson and the team immediately agreed to a five-year rookie Max extension worth at least $193 million. The new deal will begin at the start of the 2023-24 season, and that number could increase to $231 million if Williamson makes an All-NBA team or wins a major award next season.
“Give me this birthday present for the pelicans to come, I won’t let them down.” Williamson said After officially signing his extension on his birthday, July 6. “I’m not going to let the city down. I’m not going to let my family down. Most importantly, I’m not going to let myself down.”
“The ultimate goal is to win a championship. That’s what we’re all striving for. We’re hungry.”
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The No. 1 overall pick in 2019, Williamson’s career has been plagued by injuries and concerns about his conditioning. He missed almost his entire rookie season after undergoing knee surgery, was shut down early in his sophomore season with a broken toe and didn’t play at all last season because of surgery on a broken foot. was needed and did not heal as quickly as expected.
When he’s been on the floor, he’s been spectacular. In his second season, when he played 61 games, he averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the field, and was named an All-Star. His combination of size, strength and athleticism is something we’ve rarely seen in the league and makes him a must-watch attraction.
Because of all of that, despite his injury history, the Pelicans were eager to extend him as soon as possible. At the same time, paying $193 million to a player who has only been on the court 85 times is a risky proposition, and the Pelicans were looking for some protection for their cap sheet and bottom line if Williamson couldn’t stay healthy. or in shape.
Adding that clause, which is easily achievable given Williamson’s listed playing weight of 284 pounds, seems like a reasonable compromise. Williamson has his big extension despite injuries, and the Pelicans have a safety net if things go wrong.
