Report: Pelicans' contract with Zion no longer fully guaranteed

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st December, 12:26 2023

Dec 15, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) talks to his bench during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The New Orleans Pelicans won 112-107. credits: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans star center Zion Williamson isn't guaranteed to remain in New Orleans for the duration of his contract, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

Since Williamson missed more than 22 games in 2022-23, his absence reportedly trigged a clause in his contract eliminating the guarantee on the final three seasons of his five-year, $197,230,450 contract. Therefore, the small-market Pelicans conceivably can walk away from the top overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft following the 2024-25 season as opposed to the 2027-28 campaign.

Williamson is on the books for approximately $39.4 million in 2025-26, $42.2 million in 2026-27 and $44.9 million in 2027-28, per Spotrac.

The Athletic also reported rival executives do no expect New Orleans to consider waiving Williamson prior to those non-guaranteed seasons.

Williamson, 23, has missed significant portions of playing time during his time in the NBA, including the entire 2021-22 season following surgery on a broken foot.

He is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 23 games (all starts) this season.

A two-time All-Star, Williamson has averages of 25.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 137 career games with the Pelicans.

—Field Level Media

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