Yahoo Sports Zion Williamson's contract with Pelicans no longer guaranteed as clause triggered
The New Orleans Pelicans signed Zion Williamson to a five-year max contract extension potentially worth $231 million in 2022. The contract was meant to keep Williamson with the Pelicans until the end of the 2027-28 season. However, the Pelicans included a condition in the contract that would have guaranteed those last three years based on Williamson's games played and Williamson did not meet the requirements of the deal.
According to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, Zion Williamson has triggered a clause in his contract after playing only 29 games last season. Starting from the 2025-26 season, his contract will no longer be guaranteed, meaning the New Orleans Pelicans have the option to waive Williamson after the 2024-25 season with no financial consequences.
If Zion Williamson misses a significant number of games in the 2024-25 season, the Pelicans have the option to cut his salary significantly. However, if Williamson plays at least 61 games and meets other contract requirements, his salary will be guaranteed again.
The Pelicans have no intention of cutting ties with Williamson unless it is a last resort. Williamson is a valuable player for the Pelicans and they are focused on getting Williamson healthy and on the court for the long term.
The final three years of Zion Williamson's deal are no longer guaranteed after he played in only 29 games last year, writes @MikeVorkunov.
Williamson signed a five-year, $197M extension last July, but the Pelicans negotiated hedges tied to his health and conditioning.
More ⤵️— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 21, 2023
NBA: Zion Williamson says maintaining a diet is 'hard,' in 'process of fixing wrongs'
Pelicans repeated requests to Zion to prioritize health
The New Orleans Pelicans have expressed concerns regarding Zion Williamson's fitness level after the Pelicans In-Season semifinals 133-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
It has been evident that Williamson appears tired and out of shape, and the Pelicans' organization has emphasized the need for him to improve his conditioning and diet to enhance his performance.
Williamson's contract reportedly includes a clause that requires periodic weigh-ins and body fat percentages, but it's unclear whether the Pelicans have enforced these requirements on Williamson so far.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pelicans star Zion Williamson no longer has a guaranteed contract
