The New Orleans Pelicans might be sitting at 12th in the Western Conference standings, but don’t expect them to hit the reset button just yet. Instead, the team seems poised to double down on one of their cornerstone players.
NBA insider Shamit Dua reports that the Pelicans are gearing up to offer Zion Williamson a three-year, $100 million contract extension this summer. This move comes despite Williamson’s well-documented injury woes, which have significantly limited his time on the court since he entered the league.
Dua shared, “I think Zion’s going to get extended. When Joe Dumars arrived, he had some candid discussions with Zion about professionalism.
To Dumars’s credit, Zion took those talks seriously. He’s committed to New Orleans and eager to change the narrative around him.
A deal similar to Julius Randle’s - around three years, $100 million - seems like a sweet spot for Zion.”
Williamson’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Drafted with expectations of becoming the next LeBron James, he was seen as the future superstar around whom the Pelicans could build a contender. However, injuries and conditioning issues have hindered his progress, raising doubts about his dedication.
This season, Zion is averaging 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, shooting an impressive 59.5% from the field. Yet, despite these solid numbers, the Pelicans remain out of playoff contention, and the calls for change are growing louder. Some fans believe it might be time to trade Williamson while his value remains.
Trading Zion, however, is no easy task. With three years and $125 million left on his current deal, teams are hesitant to take on such a financial commitment given his injury history. Extending his contract could further complicate any potential trades.
For the Pelicans, the decision to extend Zion might seem premature, but at 25, his career is still in its early stages. We’ve seen glimpses of his potential, and if he can find consistency and stay healthy, he could justify this investment.
The road ahead for Williamson is about proving he can stay on the court and perform consistently. If he manages that, the Pelicans’ gamble might just pay off. If not, they could face tough lessons about relying on a player who has yet to fully deliver.