NBA Trade Rumors: Zion Williamson's $39.4 Million Guarantee Raises Bigger Questions in New Orleans - What it means for the Pelicans?
The New Orleans Pelicans ’ offseason just took a defining turn with the guaranteed salary of Zion Williamson now locked in for the 2025-26 season. Amid swirling trade rumors and concerns over his availability, the team has officially committed $39.4 million to their star forward, signaling continued faith in his potential despite a rocky injury history.
Salary Guarantee Deadline Locks in Major Payday
As first reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, July 15 was the pivotal date. With that deadline now passed, Zion Williamson’s $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season is fully guaranteed. His deal also includes significant figures for the following seasons:
For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, Zion Williamson’s salaries remain non-guaranteed unless he meets a specific games-played threshold. That clause reflects growing concerns around his availability and long-term durability.
A Star With Unmatched Upside—But a Fragile Record
There’s no denying Williamson’s talent. When healthy, he’s a game-changing presence. Last season, despite limited action, he averaged:
- 24.6 points per game
- 7.2 rebounds
- 5.3 assists
However, that production came in just 30 appearances. And that has been the story throughout much of his early career.
Zion Williamson’s Games Played History
Season
Games Played
In five NBA seasons, Zion Williamson has played 70 or more games only once. He’s been limited to 30 or fewer games in three separate years, including a completely missed 2021-22 season. This ongoing struggle with injuries continues to cast a shadow over his long-term value—both to the New Orleans Pelicans and any potential trade suitors.
Trade Rumors Fade as New Orleans Pelicans Signal Commitment
While speculation had built earlier this summer around New Orleans Pelicans possibly moving on from the 24-year-old forward, that talk has cooled. The team’s front office appears to be doubling down on keeping Zion in the fold.
Joe Dumars, the New Orleans Pelicans’ new executive vice president of basketball operations, made the franchise’s intentions clear in an interview with The Times-Picayune’s Rod Walker in June. Dumars said he has had “really good conversations with Zion” and emphasized that the star forward is “going to continue to be a focal point here.”
That sentiment suggests the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t ready to hit the reset button. Instead, they seem prepared to bet on Williamson finally staying healthy and leading the team deeper into contention.
Can Zion Williamson Stay on the Court?
Whether this gamble pays off depends entirely on Zion Williamson’s ability to stay on the floor. With nearly $40 million committed to him for 2025-26 and two more lucrative years potentially on the books, the New Orleans Pelicans are tying up a significant chunk of cap space in a player whose availability remains uncertain.
Yet, they also know what he can bring when he’s right: elite scoring, unmatched physicality, and the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. As Andrew Peters originally reported, “At his best, Williamson is well worth $39.4 million guaranteed.”
The question now becomes: will we finally see the best version of Zion this season—and for more than just 30 games?
Salary Guarantee Deadline Locks in Major Payday
As first reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, July 15 was the pivotal date. With that deadline now passed, Zion Williamson’s $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season is fully guaranteed. His deal also includes significant figures for the following seasons:
For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, Zion Williamson’s salaries remain non-guaranteed unless he meets a specific games-played threshold. That clause reflects growing concerns around his availability and long-term durability.
A Star With Unmatched Upside—But a Fragile Record
There’s no denying Williamson’s talent. When healthy, he’s a game-changing presence. Last season, despite limited action, he averaged:
- 24.6 points per game
- 7.2 rebounds
- 5.3 assists
However, that production came in just 30 appearances. And that has been the story throughout much of his early career.
Zion Williamson’s Games Played History
Season
Games Played
In five NBA seasons, Zion Williamson has played 70 or more games only once. He’s been limited to 30 or fewer games in three separate years, including a completely missed 2021-22 season. This ongoing struggle with injuries continues to cast a shadow over his long-term value—both to the New Orleans Pelicans and any potential trade suitors.
Trade Rumors Fade as New Orleans Pelicans Signal Commitment
While speculation had built earlier this summer around New Orleans Pelicans possibly moving on from the 24-year-old forward, that talk has cooled. The team’s front office appears to be doubling down on keeping Zion in the fold.
Joe Dumars, the New Orleans Pelicans’ new executive vice president of basketball operations, made the franchise’s intentions clear in an interview with The Times-Picayune’s Rod Walker in June. Dumars said he has had “really good conversations with Zion” and emphasized that the star forward is “going to continue to be a focal point here.”
That sentiment suggests the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t ready to hit the reset button. Instead, they seem prepared to bet on Williamson finally staying healthy and leading the team deeper into contention.
Can Zion Williamson Stay on the Court?
Whether this gamble pays off depends entirely on Zion Williamson’s ability to stay on the floor. With nearly $40 million committed to him for 2025-26 and two more lucrative years potentially on the books, the New Orleans Pelicans are tying up a significant chunk of cap space in a player whose availability remains uncertain.
Yet, they also know what he can bring when he’s right: elite scoring, unmatched physicality, and the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. As Andrew Peters originally reported, “At his best, Williamson is well worth $39.4 million guaranteed.”
The question now becomes: will we finally see the best version of Zion this season—and for more than just 30 games?
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