By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The New Orleans Pelicans signed forward Zion Williamson to a five-year $193 million, maximum rookie extension earlier in July. The 23-year-old All-Star can earn up to $231 million via certain bonuses that come with individual distinctions such as winning MVP, making an All-NBA Team or being named DPOY.
There are also some different kinds of clauses in Williamson’s contract. According to NOLA, the player may get less money than planned if he put up too much weight or if his body fat is found to be above a certain level.
Per NOLA:
According to league sources, Williamson’s contract stipulates that he will have weigh-ins periodically throughout the entirety of his new deal. The sum of his weight and body fat percentage must be below 295. If it is not, the amount of guaranteed money in Williamson’s contract can be reduced.
Since the Pelicans drafted Williamson No. 1 overall in 2019, he has struggled to stay in shape. Williamson played only nine minutes in Summer League before his rookie year. He was shut down after bumping knees with a player on the New York Knicks. His poor conditioning played a part in New Orleans’ decision to sit him out for the remainder of Summer League.
Williamson struggled with injuries during his run with the Pelicans so far and he was forced to miss the entirety of 2021-22 due to a broken foot. In the previous season, he had 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists as he was named an All-Star.