Zion Williamson signing rookie max contract extension with Pelicans

Zion Williamson is finalizing a rookie max contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the deal will be for five years, worth up to $231M.

The new agreement will keep the explosive forward/center in New Orleans until the end of the 2027/28 season. The deal is expected to include protections, given Williamson’s injury history.

Zion Williamson has appeared in only 85 games with the Pelicans over three seasons and missed the entire 2021/22 season, due to a serious injury. In 2020-21, Williamson averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, on 61.1% from the field.

With Williamson healthy and the presence of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans are expected to be a playoff contender next season.

Williamson said after the season ended, “I couldn’t sign it fast enough.” Indeed, the All-Star locks in commitment to New Orleans. The deal is expected to include protections that both sides were sorting through overnight and will finalize, sources said. https://t.co/n0hyRwRk9e — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022

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