Zion Williamson's contract no longer guaranteed
According to the contract, which was reviewed by The Athletic, the final three years of the deal are no longer guaranteed after Williamson was able to only play in 29 games last season. 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. That means the Pelicans have the contractual power to waive Williamson after the 2024-25 season with no financial ramifications — though rival team executives believe that would only happen in extreme circumstances. And if Williamson misses significant time this season, it could cut into his guaranteed salary for 2024-25.
Source: Mike Vorkunov @ The Athletic
Source: Mike Vorkunov @ The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Would the Pelicans actually waive Zion Williamson? Probably not. Here’s why, via @johnhollinger
theathletic.com/5134937/2023/1… – 12:14 PM
Would the Pelicans actually waive Zion Williamson? Probably not. Here’s why, via @johnhollinger
theathletic.com/5134937/2023/1… – 12:14 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @TheAthleticNBA : Our @MikeVorkunov reported today that the final 3 years of Zion Williamson’s deal are no longer guaranteed.
So would the Pelicans ever really waive him? Here’s why that’s still unlikely:
theathletic.com/5134937/2023/1… – 10:13 AM
New for @TheAthleticNBA : Our @MikeVorkunov reported today that the final 3 years of Zion Williamson’s deal are no longer guaranteed.
So would the Pelicans ever really waive him? Here’s why that’s still unlikely:
theathletic.com/5134937/2023/1… – 10:13 AM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Zion Williamson’s max extension with the Pelicans is more complex than previously known. The last 3 years of his deal are no longer guaranteed and it gives Pelicans significant injury protections. It also has ways for Williamson to earn back the guarantees theathletic.com/4913537/2023/1… – 9:56 AM
Zion Williamson’s max extension with the Pelicans is more complex than previously known. The last 3 years of his deal are no longer guaranteed and it gives Pelicans significant injury protections. It also has ways for Williamson to earn back the guarantees theathletic.com/4913537/2023/1… – 9:56 AM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Pelicans say Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas are all questionable for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland with non-COVID illnesses. – 3:56 PM
Pelicans say Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas are all questionable for tomorrow’s game against Cleveland with non-COVID illnesses. – 3:56 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas listed as questionable tomorrow in Cleveland. All with non-COVID illnesses.
Cody Zeller questionable. Right ankle sprain. – 3:55 PM
Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas listed as questionable tomorrow in Cleveland. All with non-COVID illnesses.
Cody Zeller questionable. Right ankle sprain. – 3:55 PM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
A nivel de primera fila.
Compara la altura del aro y con la de la cabeza de Zion.
Vídeo: @BootKreweMedia
pic.twitter.com/vryN6lx1OS – 8:56 AM
A nivel de primera fila.
Compara la altura del aro y con la de la cabeza de Zion.
Vídeo: @BootKreweMedia
pic.twitter.com/vryN6lx1OS – 8:56 AM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
Zion descontento con el cobro que cometió falta ofensiva, su tercera )lo envía a la banca).
Vídeo: @BootKreweMedia
pic.twitter.com/jHDR1MA1jf – 8:54 AM
Zion descontento con el cobro que cometió falta ofensiva, su tercera )lo envía a la banca).
Vídeo: @BootKreweMedia
pic.twitter.com/jHDR1MA1jf – 8:54 AM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Watched the whole Pels-Grizz game. Did Pels really use JV and Cody Zeller in the 4th instead of Trey + Zion at the 5? You’re telling me Trey or Ingram couldn’t have handled Xavier Tillman? Would’ve let you switch and shrink easier on Ja, and the spacing benefits on O are obvious – 11:49 PM
Watched the whole Pels-Grizz game. Did Pels really use JV and Cody Zeller in the 4th instead of Trey + Zion at the 5? You’re telling me Trey or Ingram couldn’t have handled Xavier Tillman? Would’ve let you switch and shrink easier on Ja, and the spacing benefits on O are obvious – 11:49 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
CJ McCollum and Zion both noted team’s inability to get any defensive stops in 4Q as main reason #Pelicans couldn’t close out Grizzlies. McCollum said team made some specific mistakes, such as running Morant off three-point line. You want Ja taking jumpers, not driving – 10:48 PM
CJ McCollum and Zion both noted team’s inability to get any defensive stops in 4Q as main reason #Pelicans couldn’t close out Grizzlies. McCollum said team made some specific mistakes, such as running Morant off three-point line. You want Ja taking jumpers, not driving – 10:48 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Willie Green: “They got to the free-throw line. Zion shoots four free throws. Jaren Jackson Jr. shoots 15. I feel like Zion attacks the paint just as much as anybody. For him to only get four free throws, that’s something that hurt us.” – 10:25 PM
Willie Green: “They got to the free-throw line. Zion shoots four free throws. Jaren Jackson Jr. shoots 15. I feel like Zion attacks the paint just as much as anybody. For him to only get four free throws, that’s something that hurt us.” – 10:25 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
End of 3: Pelicans 87 Grizzlies 77
NOLA doing just enough to keep Memphis at bay. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson will be back with their fouls. Should be a good fourth quarter – 9:27 PM
End of 3: Pelicans 87 Grizzlies 77
NOLA doing just enough to keep Memphis at bay. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson will be back with their fouls. Should be a good fourth quarter – 9:27 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
End of 3: Pelicans 87 Grizzlies 77
NOLA doing just enough to keep Memphis at bay. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson will be back with their fouls. Should ne a good fourth quarter – 9:27 PM
End of 3: Pelicans 87 Grizzlies 77
NOLA doing just enough to keep Memphis at bay. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson will be back with their fouls. Should ne a good fourth quarter – 9:27 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Zion Williamson debuts the Jordan Zion 3 M.U.D.
The updated version of the Zion 3 features a support strap, full-length Formula 23 drop-in midsole & upgraded full-length Zoom Air cushioning.
Will launch in March 2024 for $160. pic.twitter.com/esZO8YabQd – 9:12 PM
Zion Williamson debuts the Jordan Zion 3 M.U.D.
The updated version of the Zion 3 features a support strap, full-length Formula 23 drop-in midsole & upgraded full-length Zoom Air cushioning.
Will launch in March 2024 for $160. pic.twitter.com/esZO8YabQd – 9:12 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pretty sure that was the first ever JV-to-Zion spin-off alley-oop – 9:08 PM
Pretty sure that was the first ever JV-to-Zion spin-off alley-oop – 9:08 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Pelicans won the second quarter 39-16. Did most of the damage after Zion went to bench with third foul. CJ McCollum with 15. Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas with 12 each. – 8:42 PM
Pelicans won the second quarter 39-16. Did most of the damage after Zion went to bench with third foul. CJ McCollum with 15. Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas with 12 each. – 8:42 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
woulda been way better for grizzlies for pelicans to win that challenge earlier and have zion stay in game. – 8:29 PM
woulda been way better for grizzlies for pelicans to win that challenge earlier and have zion stay in game. – 8:29 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Clear from this game that the challenges will continue for Memphis even with Morant back, and NOLA needs Zion to be so much better. – 8:26 PM
Clear from this game that the challenges will continue for Memphis even with Morant back, and NOLA needs Zion to be so much better. – 8:26 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
The call is upheld. Three fouls on Zion Williamson with 7:43 left in the second quarter – 8:18 PM
The call is upheld. Three fouls on Zion Williamson with 7:43 left in the second quarter – 8:18 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Zion Williamson called for a charge while attempting post up Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s his third foul. The Pelicans are challenging – 8:17 PM
Zion Williamson called for a charge while attempting post up Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s his third foul. The Pelicans are challenging – 8:17 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
I don’t think that offensive foul will be overturned but that’s a good challenge by Willie Green on the small chance it keeps Zion with 2 fouls v. 3 – 8:16 PM
I don’t think that offensive foul will be overturned but that’s a good challenge by Willie Green on the small chance it keeps Zion with 2 fouls v. 3 – 8:16 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion looks extremely upset as he walks to the bench after picking up his 3rd foul on a really late offensive foul call.
Pels are challenging it. – 8:15 PM
Zion looks extremely upset as he walks to the bench after picking up his 3rd foul on a really late offensive foul call.
Pels are challenging it. – 8:15 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Willie Green is livid on the sidelines after that delayed charging call on Zion Williamson.
He’s asked for a timeout, and thus, a challenge. – 8:15 PM
Willie Green is livid on the sidelines after that delayed charging call on Zion Williamson.
He’s asked for a timeout, and thus, a challenge. – 8:15 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Sight I thought we’d never witness: Morant & Williamson in the same game… – 8:14 PM
Sight I thought we’d never witness: Morant & Williamson in the same game… – 8:14 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
End of 1st: Grizzlies 25, Pelicans 21
Valanciunas 7 pts (3-4 FG)
Murphy 5 pts, 3 rebs
Ingram 4 pts (1-7 FG)
Pels shot 7-26 from the field in the 1st. Zion only played two minutes after picking up two quick fouls. – 8:05 PM
End of 1st: Grizzlies 25, Pelicans 21
Valanciunas 7 pts (3-4 FG)
Murphy 5 pts, 3 rebs
Ingram 4 pts (1-7 FG)
Pels shot 7-26 from the field in the 1st. Zion only played two minutes after picking up two quick fouls. – 8:05 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson takes a seat with 10:08 left in the 1st after picking up two fouls – 7:39 PM
Zion Williamson takes a seat with 10:08 left in the 1st after picking up two fouls – 7:39 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 7:07 PM
Pelicans starters:
CJ McCollum
Herb Jones
Brandon Ingram
Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas – 7:07 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion Williamson will play tonight, Pelicans say. Seventh Zion-Ja matchup since they came into the league on deck. Naji Marshall available too. – 6:46 PM
Zion Williamson will play tonight, Pelicans say. Seventh Zion-Ja matchup since they came into the league on deck. Naji Marshall available too. – 6:46 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Pelicans say Zion Williamson is available for tonight’s game.
Naji Marshall available as well. – 6:45 PM
Pelicans say Zion Williamson is available for tonight’s game.
Naji Marshall available as well. – 6:45 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson and Naji Marshall will be available for tonight’s game vs Memphis, per the Pelicans – 6:45 PM
Zion Williamson and Naji Marshall will be available for tonight’s game vs Memphis, per the Pelicans – 6:45 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson is out on the court beginning his pregame warmup pic.twitter.com/3uiqAHEMIh – 6:20 PM
Zion Williamson is out on the court beginning his pregame warmup pic.twitter.com/3uiqAHEMIh – 6:20 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Ja Morant will start tonight for Memphis against New Orleans. Zion Williamson’s status (illness) is still up in the air – 6:02 PM
Ja Morant will start tonight for Memphis against New Orleans. Zion Williamson’s status (illness) is still up in the air – 6:02 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion Williamson (non-Covid illness) told the Pelicans coaching staff he wasn’t feeling well today when arriving at SKC.
His status will be updated closer to game time. – 5:46 PM
Zion Williamson (non-Covid illness) told the Pelicans coaching staff he wasn’t feeling well today when arriving at SKC.
His status will be updated closer to game time. – 5:46 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Still no update on Zion Williamson’s status from Willie Green.
He says he’ll know more in about an hour. – 5:46 PM
Still no update on Zion Williamson’s status from Willie Green.
He says he’ll know more in about an hour. – 5:46 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Zion Williamson said this morning he wasn’t feeling well. Willie Green says team will have an update in an hour. – 5:46 PM
Zion Williamson said this morning he wasn’t feeling well. Willie Green says team will have an update in an hour. – 5:46 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
What is the better bet tonight?
🏀Pelicans win, Zion over 23.5pts (+195)
🏀Grizzlies win, Morant over 22.5pts (+350)
Listen to @wha1en and @BaruthaAlex tonight at 7pm ET on the @RotoWireNBA show as they break down tonight’s best games!
Listen LIVE: siriusxm.us/NBARadioLive pic.twitter.com/RBmrJ625PK – 5:30 PM
What is the better bet tonight?
🏀Pelicans win, Zion over 23.5pts (+195)
🏀Grizzlies win, Morant over 22.5pts (+350)
Listen to @wha1en and @BaruthaAlex tonight at 7pm ET on the @RotoWireNBA show as they break down tonight’s best games!
Listen LIVE: siriusxm.us/NBARadioLive pic.twitter.com/RBmrJ625PK – 5:30 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
In six head-to-head matchups:
Zion — Ja —
23.5 PPG 21.0 PPG
6.3 RPG 7.8 APG
56.4 FG% 49.5 FG%
4 Wins 2 Wins
Who you got tonight? pic.twitter.com/GUuKU7lj6r – 3:04 PM
In six head-to-head matchups:
Zion — Ja —
23.5 PPG 21.0 PPG
6.3 RPG 7.8 APG
56.4 FG% 49.5 FG%
4 Wins 2 Wins
Who you got tonight? pic.twitter.com/GUuKU7lj6r – 3:04 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
#Pelicans shootaround update for Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. home game vs. Grizzlies (Zion Williamson, Naji Marshall injury statuses changed this morning; Memphis scouting report; lineups, notes, expanded @FDSportsbook keys): neworlns.co/3Rv8Tl5 pic.twitter.com/2aprIIcs36 – 12:48 PM
#Pelicans shootaround update for Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. home game vs. Grizzlies (Zion Williamson, Naji Marshall injury statuses changed this morning; Memphis scouting report; lineups, notes, expanded @FDSportsbook keys): neworlns.co/3Rv8Tl5 pic.twitter.com/2aprIIcs36 – 12:48 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Zion Williamson (non-COVID illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs Memphis – 12:22 PM
Zion Williamson (non-COVID illness) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs Memphis – 12:22 PM
Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
Zion Williamson (non-COVID illness) is QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game vs. Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, per team. – 12:07 PM
Zion Williamson (non-COVID illness) is QUESTIONABLE for tonight’s game vs. Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, per team. – 12:07 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
New ep of the #GoodWord is up! With @DarthAmin, talking Miami/Atl/Sac/ trade prospects, and how the game doesn’t stop for Ja and Zion
📺:: youtu.be/hhhHsuqT6hE
🍎: apple.co/3RvhOCL
: spoti.fi/4aqUfDW pic.twitter.com/o56WHuFBRk – 5:11 PM
New ep of the #GoodWord is up! With @DarthAmin, talking Miami/Atl/Sac/ trade prospects, and how the game doesn’t stop for Ja and Zion
📺:: youtu.be/hhhHsuqT6hE
🍎: apple.co/3RvhOCL
: spoti.fi/4aqUfDW pic.twitter.com/o56WHuFBRk – 5:11 PM
More on this storyline
According to the contract, which was reviewed by The Athletic, the final three years of the deal are no longer guaranteed after Zion Williamson was able to only play in 29 games last season. 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. That means the Pelicans have the contractual power to waive Williamson after the 2024-25 season with no financial ramifications — though rival team executives believe that would only happen in extreme circumstances. And if Williamson misses significant time this season, it could cut into his guaranteed salary for 2024-25. -via The Athletic / December 21, 2023
The Pelicans had guarded themselves against such uncertainty when reaching the extension last year. The complex deal, key details of which were confirmed by six league sources on condition of anonymity, contained unusual measures taken by the Pelicans to directly connect guaranteed salary with games played. -via The Athletic / December 21, 2023
The contract also has ways for Williamson to earn back the guarantees by playing in enough games and hitting specific weigh-in checkpoints. When approached by The Athletic, the Pelicans several times declined to comment, answer questions about the contract or make Williamson available to speak. Williamson’s agent, Austin Brown, did not return messages seeking comment. -via The Athletic / December 21, 2023