Juanma Rubio
WILLIAMSON
Is Zion
worth $234 million?
Zion Williamson, a 2021 All-Star, hasn't played ball in the 2021-22 season due to a serious foot injury.
In total, across three seasons, he only played 85 games for the Pelicans, who lost 141 of the 226 possible over that period.
Now is the time to sign his rookie contract extension, with an expectation of five years for up to $195 million.
That contract could be even bigger: if he makes the Best Five in 2023, he will qualify for super max: five years and up to $234 million.
He has said he would sign such a contract "as quickly as possible." This season he is being paid $10.7m. Next season it would be $13.5m.
But David Griffin, vice president of the Pelicans, is sowing doubts: "The debate over Zion Williamson's extension is going to be a challenge."
"What matters now is that he's healthy and in elite playing condition," Griffin said, referring to Zion's injuries and weight issues.
In the 2020-21 season, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 shone, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 61% shooting.
Injuries have meant that there's been no continuity, and there is talk that his physique and playing style may have something to do with it.
Zion is a 1.98m and weighs almost 290 lbs. His training has been questioned and he is said to have reached as much as 310 lbs.
There are rumors he's not happy at the Pelicans and wants to play in a bigger audience, the Knicks an obvious choice.
The player has spent time away from his teammates and his team, recovering in Oregon, near the home of his sports brand, Nike.
Exit rumors continue, but recently there has been some reconciliation, coupled with good performances of the team.
The ball is in the Pelicans' court and they may try to reduce the contract length or include protection clauses.
BEVERLEY
Patrick
“I would've been the best drug dealer”