The Pelicans guarantee $39.4 million salary to Zion Williamson!
Mar 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Despite an injury-shortened 2024-2025 season, Zion Williamson can breathe easy. The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to guarantee his $39.4 million salary for the 2025-2026 season, while the franchise had until July 15 to part ways with their star player.
The $39.4M Zion Williamson salary is set to become guaranteed today (July 15).
The remaining two seasons; $42.2M and $44.9M will remain non-guaranteed unless Williamson reaches the games played criteria for this season and next.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 15, 2025
This decision comes after a disappointing campaign where the power forward only played 30 games, still averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Since joining the NBA, Williamson has played 70 or more games only once in five seasons, even missing the entire 2021-2022 campaign.
A contract loaded with protections for the Pelicans
The five-year, $197 million contract signed in 2022 contained numerous protective clauses for the Louisiana franchise. According to The Athletic, 20% of the salary was contingent on meeting physical criteria, particularly weight. The remaining 80% depended on games played: 40% additional for 41 games played, 20% more for 51 games, and another 20% for reaching 61 games.
Having played only 29 games during the pivotal 2022-2023 season, the last three years of Williamson’s contract became non-guaranteed. This situation will arise again next summer and in 2027, giving the Pelicans escape routes if their player doesn’t meet his objectives.
Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, stated in June to the Times-Picayune that he had « very good conversations with Zion » and that Williamson would « continue to be a focal point here. » This salary guarantee confirms New Orleans’ commitment to bet on their All-Star, despite trade rumors that circulated this summer.
The Pelicans now hope to see the best version of their star to justify this $39.4 million investment and build a competitive project around him.
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