For the time being, Zion Williamson appears to be sticking with the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Shams Charania, the club and the star forward are close to agreeing to a five-year rookie max deal extension for up to $231 million. Through the 2027–28 season, Williamson will remain a club asset according to the agreement.
Williamson missed the entirety of the previous season with a broken foot for the Pelicans. It appeared very obvious that the Pelicans would extend his contract, though, considering the talent he has demonstrated when healthy (he averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 2020–21) and how much the team has committed to him.
Williamson made an effort to dispel any doubts in recent months, despite there being some conjecture about his intention to live in New Orleans for the long term. Williamson stated in April that he would sign a contract extension with the Pelicans if one was made available.
Last month, he strengthened his stance even further. “I do desire to be present. It is not a secret, “Williamson stated in June about New Orleans. “I felt as though I spoke while standing on that. For me, the year of recovery and mental struggles was demanding. Now I’m good. I’m prepared to start working.”
Williamson has good cause to be optimistic about the future of the Pelicans given how well they fared without him last season.
They came back from a 1-12 start to the season to eventually earn the eighth seed in the West, and they took the top-seeded Phoenix Suns to six games in the opening round. The Pelicans received significant contributions from a trio of talented rookies in Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado in addition to veteran talents Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. Williamson is naturally optimistic about the team’s future in light of the situation.
Williamson’s next task after securing a long-term contract will be to maintain his health because, at this point in his career, he has missed more games than he has played in.
