Zion Williamson in line for $100 million extension
At 25, Zion Williamson has a chance to rewrite his story in New Orleans: the Pelicans are evaluating a three-year, $100 million extension
The New Orleans Pelicans could surprise everyone this summer. Despite currently sitting 12th in the Western Conference, the franchise appears intent on keeping one of its cornerstones: Zion Williamson.
According to NBA insider Shamit Dua, the Pelicans are considering offering Williamson a three-year, $100 million contract that would keep him with the team for years to come.
I think Zion will get the extension. When Joe Dumars arrived, there were tough conversations with Zion about professionalism expectations. And to Dumars’ credit, Zion really took that to heart. He wants to stay in New Orleans and change the narrative around him. The model could be similar to Julius Randle’s extension: about three years, $100 million, between $30 and $35 million per year. A good balance for Zion
Dua via HoopsHype
A career shaped by injuries
From the moment he was drafted, Zion Williamson was seen as the next great NBA superstar, even drawing comparisons to LeBron James. The New Orleans Pelicans built their roster around him, hoping to create a contender in the West. However, injuries have drastically limited his availability, and questions about his conditioning and preparation habits have raised concerns about his commitment.
Despite this, Williamson is showing signs of progress. This season, he’s averaging 21.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, shooting 59.5% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Solid numbers, but not enough to make the Pelicans a top-tier contender.
The extension dilemma
For the New Orleans Pelicans, the extension represents a delicate decision. Currently, Zion Williamson has limited trade value, with three years and $125 million still remaining on his current deal. Extending him further would make roster flexibility extremely difficult.
Some believe Williamson hasn’t yet earned such a significant extension, but at 25 years old, he still has room to grow. The key will be consistency: if he can stay healthy and perform reliably on the court, the extension could be justified. Otherwise, the Pelicans risk tying their future to a talent that remains too inconsistent.