NEW ORLEANS — The final three years of Zion Williamson's Pelicans contract are no longer guaranteed because he missed most of last season, according to The Athletic.
Last season, the Pelicans star appeared in just 29 games after he was unable to return after a hamstring injury. Williamson has played in just 137 games since being drafted. Almost half of those were during the 2020-21 season.
The Athletic said, "by missing more than 22 games last season. Williamson triggered a clause that turned the salary he is owed for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 seasons from guaranteed to non-guaranteed."
So the Pelicans could waive Williamson after next season with "no financial ramifications".
If he misses a large portion of this season, his guaranteed salary for 2024-25 could be cut, but there are ways for him to earn it back.
Our partners at The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate reported that the Pelicans have repeatedly stressed to Williamson that his diet and conditioning need to improve. But sources told NOLA.com that Williamson “doesn’t listen.”
So far this season, Williamson has played in 23 of 28 games. The 2023 All-Star is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists.
The Pelicans are currently 7th in the West with a 16-12 record. They have won four of their last five games following a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament.
The Pelicans will be back on the floor Thursday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They could be without Williamson. He's questionable with a non-COVID illness.
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