Zion Williamson Set to Play Against Bucks for Guaranteed $16.8 Million
Zion Williamson will unlock a serious incentive in his contract as soon as he takes the ground towards the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As perNBA reporter Keith Smith, the sport towards the Bucks shall be his forty first sport of the season and can set off a $16.8 million contract assure for the 2026-27 season.
The former No. 1 general NBA draft choose additionally stands to earn a further $8.4 million in ensures if he meets varied weight situations. These clauses had been included in his five-year, $197.2 million contract extension. The New Orleans Pelicans have included these ensures contingent on Zion passing weigh-ins, and they’re scheduled to get triggered on the 41, 51, and 61-game marks.
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At 51 video games performed, the assure will increase to $25.3 million, and at 61 video games, it’ll develop to $33.7 million. The full assure of $42.2 million will get activated by taking part in in 61 video games and assembly varied weight situations the franchise has set for it, or on July 15.
New Orleans Pelicans ahead Zion Williamson (1)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
These clauses launched by the Pelicans had been a results of Williamson lacking vital chunks of his first three seasons within the NBA, which had been marred by accidents and off-court points. Williamson lacking the 2021-22 season in its entirety was thought of a serious crimson flag, and his 29 appearances within the 2022-23 season triggered a clause in his contract that transformed their salaries for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 seasons from assured to non-guaranteed.
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Zion’s minutes and appearances went up throughout the 2023-24 season, when he performed 70 video games. That was adopted by one other disappointing season with 30 video games performed, however after years of battling health points, he has an opportunity to play in 50-plus video games for simply the third time in his seven-year profession. He has been a gradual performer for the Pelicans this yr, averaging 21.6 factors and 6.1 rebounds.
Despite the previous duke star’s improved well being and scoring effectivity (with an eFG% of 58.4), the Pelicans have a disappointing 15-41 file, the second-worst within the Western Conference. As James Borrego’s crew heads towards the lottery within the draft, they’re possible already plotting to land a younger gun to pair with a now match and firing Williamson.
Related: Can Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Overcome Injuries to Finally Reach Potential?
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Feb 20, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking right here.
