In a thrilling matchup on Friday, the New Orleans Pelicans took on the Houston Rockets, with Zion Williamson making headlines both on and off the court. Despite early trade rumors and a history of injuries, Williamson is solidifying his place with the Pelicans.
Before the game, it was announced that Williamson's contract saw a significant boost, thanks to his participation in 51 games this season. His guaranteed salary is set to jump from $16.9 million to $25.3 million, as reported by ESPN's Bobby Marks. This is a big leap for Williamson, whose salary for the next season was initially pegged at $42.2 million without any protections.
This season, Williamson is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 21.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Pelicans, despite a challenging season with a 22-45 record, have shown resilience by winning seven of their last ten games.
Drafted first overall in 2019 out of Duke, Williamson quickly made his mark, earning two NBA All-Star selections in 2021 and 2023, and a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 2020. However, his journey hasn't been without hurdles. Injuries and off-court issues, including a 2025 accusation of sexual assault, have cast shadows over his promising career.
Earlier in the season, trade rumors swirled around Williamson, but the Pelicans seem committed to keeping him in New Orleans. Their efforts to secure his future with the team speak volumes about their faith in his potential.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans have a busy week at home. They face the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, followed by back-to-back games against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and Thursday.
They’ll wrap up the week with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, March 21. It's a crucial stretch for the Pelicans as they aim to build momentum and showcase their star player's talents.