There's much more to Zion Williamson's contract than meets the eye.
Following the 2021-22 NBA season, the two-time All-Star agreed to a five-year, $197.2 million extension with the Pelicans. Williamson had only appeared in 85 games to that point of his career, so many were wondering at the time if his extension had any protections.
A year and a half later, we have an answer. According to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, the Pelicans "negotiated major hedges" to protect themselves if Williamson continues to struggle to stay on the court.
Here's everything you need to know about Williamson's contract and those protections.
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Zion Williamson contract details
Williamson's $197.2 million extension begins in the 2023-24 season. His salary increases each season of his deal, from $34.0 million in 2023-24 to $44.9 million in 2027-28.
According to Vorkunov, the final three seasons of Williamson's extension are no longer guaranteed because he appeared in only 29 games last season, which triggered a clause in his contract.
It's unlikely to happen, but the Pelicans could waive Williamson after the 2024-25 season at no financial cost.
| Season | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $34,005,250 |
| 2024-25 | $36,725,670 |
| 2025-26 | $39,446,090 |
| 2026-27 | $42,166,510 |
| 2027-28 | $44,886,930 |
Williamson can earn back the guarantees in his contract, but it hinges on him playing enough games and meeting certain weigh-in checkpoints.
Zion Williamson weigh-in, injury contract clauses
Williamson's weigh-in checkpoints require the sum of his weight in pounds and body fat percentage to be less than 295 pounds, per Vorkunov. With Williamson being listed at 284 pounds on NBA.com, that would mean his body fat could not exceed 11 percent.
Williamson will have plenty of motivation to not only pass those checkpoints but also be as available as possible because it impacts his future salary.
Here's how Vorkunov explains it:
- If Williamson passes all six of his checkpoints in 2024-25, it guarantees 20 percent of his salary for 2025-26.
- If Williamson appears in at least 41 games in 2024-25, it unlocks another 40 percent of his salary for 2025-26.
- If Williamson plays at least 51 games in 2024-25, it unlocks an additional 20 percent for 2025-26.
- If Williamson plays at least 61 games in 2024-25, the final 20 percent becomes guaranteed for 2025-26.
The same milestones apply for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
Additionally, the Pelicans have a safety net if Williamson has more issues with his right foot.
Williamson was sidelined all of the 2021-22 season because of a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot that required surgery. A fracture or stress injury would result in half of his 2024-25 salary not being guaranteed if he was released.
Zion Williamson contract trigger dates
- Jan. 7, 2024: Williamson's contract for the 2024-25 season becomes fully guaranteed.
- July 16, 2025: Williamson's contract for the 2025-26 season becomes fully guaranteed.
- July 16, 2026: Williamson's contract for the 2026-27 season becomes fully guaranteed.
- July 16, 2027: Williamson's contract for the 2027-28 season becomes fully guaranteed.