Finally recovered from his foot problems, Zion Williamson has been authorized since last Thursday to resume training without restriction. Good news for the Pelicans who have been deprived of their star for the entire 2021-22 season. Seen with obvious overweight, the winger chained the relapses and was not always very clear in his communication. However, Williamson has expressed his wish to extend the New Orleans adventure. It must be said that, even without him, the men of Willie Green hitched the playoff wagon to take two games from the Suns. This summer, the former Dukie will be eligible for an extension of 185 million over 5 years. A huge sum for a player coming out of a white season and who has played only 85 games since his draft in 2019. Yes, but when Zion is healthy, it gives 27.0 points 61.1% success rate, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists. A line of statistics achieved in 2021 which allowed him to be selected for the All Star Game. Before the leader David Griffin take the lead in the negotiations, it is rumored that the proposed contract will not be 100% guaranteed. Comments made by the ESPN journalist, Brian Winhorst :
From what I’m told, the Pelicans aren’t willing to offer a full five-year guaranteed contract at this point. And that feeling comes directly from the owner, Gayle Benson. They will offer him a standard contract, but will not guarantee everything. If Zion agrees to these terms, he will protect himself with perhaps more than 100 million guaranteed. He signs it and everything is fine. If he doesn’t sign it and wants everything guaranteed, we might have some drama in the fall. From what I understand, it’s not even regarding the Pelicans, it’s regarding the owners.
Your own Gayle Benson also owns the Saints franchise in the NFL and might be inspired by the contracts of US footballers which contain clauses in the event of injury. The latest case law on the subject in the NBA is the contract of Joel Embiid. The interior of the Sixers had experienced two white seasons before returning to the floors. Aware of his potential despite his injuries, the Sixers offered him a deal of 146 million over 5 years with “only” 84 million guaranteed. In the event of a major physical problem, Philadelphia might even part with the Cameroonian. New Orleans should take the same route by giving itself a way out if Zion is not able to play. A way to reduce collective risks and offer the player a financial carrot to motivate him to keep the line.
