Six seasons into Zion Williamson’s NBA career, the former No. 1 overall draft pick remains one of the league’s most polarizing figures. His jaw-dropping talent and athleticism have made him a household name, but his inability to stay on the court has raised difficult questions for the New Orleans Pelicans and NBA fans alike. Is Zion a superstar waiting to happen, or is his story one of unfulfilled potential?
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The saga of Zion Williamson is as much about what hasn’t happened as it is about what has. Drafted in 2019, Zion was hailed as the next generational talent. His explosiveness, court vision, and ability to dominate in the paint made comparisons to legends like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal seem almost inevitable. Yet, six years later, Zion’s career has been defined by injuries, missed opportunities, and tantalizing glimpses of greatness.
The recent developments surrounding Zion — from his latest injury to the intricacies of his unique contract — paint a picture of a player and franchise at a crossroads. This offseason could be the most pivotal moment in Zion’s career and the Pelicans’ future.
The Talent That Shines, But Rarely Shows
When Zion is healthy, he is a force of nature. His ability to score in the paint, his unmatched athleticism for a player of his size, and his court presence are undeniable. Take, for instance, his recent performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in a high-stakes play-in game. Zion dropped 40 points and had fans at the Smoothie King Center roaring in excitement. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why he was drafted first overall.
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Yet, the moment was fleeting. Zion limped off the court late in the game with a familiar pain in his left hamstring, and he hasn’t played since. It was a microcosm of Zion’s career: moments of brilliance marred by setbacks.
To date, Zion has played in only 45% of the Pelicans’ games since being drafted. Injuries have robbed him of playoff opportunities and the chance to establish himself as the franchise cornerstone he was expected to be. For a player with such immense potential, the inability to stay on the court is as frustrating for fans as it is for Zion himself.
A Contract Unlike Any Other
One of the most intriguing aspects of Zion’s career is his contract. After missing the entire 2021-22 season, the Pelicans signed him to a five-year, $197 million extension — but with unprecedented conditions. The deal includes clauses tied to Zion’s weight and body fat percentage, as well as the number of games he plays.
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For example, if Zion meets certain weight benchmarks and plays in at least 61 games, a significant portion of his salary becomes guaranteed. However, missing these benchmarks doesn’t reduce his salary; it only decreases the guaranteed amount.
This unique contract structure reflects the Pelicans’ calculated risk. It rewards Zion for staying healthy while protecting the franchise from being locked into a fully guaranteed deal if injuries persist. Despite these precautions, the contract has fueled speculation about Zion’s future in New Orleans.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Pelicans are currently in a precarious position. With a 5-28 record and injuries decimating their rotation, the team’s playoff hopes have all but evaporated. The franchise is reportedly focusing on trading forward Brandon Ingram, whose contract situation and injury history have created complications.
But the elephant in the room is Zion. Should the Pelicans continue building around him, hoping that his health will improve and his potential will be realized? Or should they explore trading him, potentially recouping assets that could set the team on a new course?
An Eastern Conference executive called determining Zion’s trade value “the hardest question to answer in the NBA right now.” When healthy, Zion is a game-changing talent. But his health has been so unreliable that finding a trade partner willing to take on the risk could prove challenging.
Trade Possibilities: Risk and Reward
One option for the Pelicans could be trading Zion as a contract, not just as a talent. His unique deal — with its non-guaranteed portions — might appeal to teams looking to clear cap space. Teams above the salary cap’s second apron could acquire Zion, evaluate his health and performance, and potentially waive him for financial relief.
The Golden State Warriors, for example, have been mentioned as a possible destination. With expiring contracts and young assets like Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors could take a calculated risk, hoping Zion could complement Stephen Curry and reignite their championship aspirations.
Other teams, such as the Chicago Bulls, have also been floated as potential suitors. A hypothetical trade involving Zach LaVine could give the Pelicans an All-Star-level talent in return for Zion, though such a deal comes with its own set of risks.
Rebuilding teams might also see value in Zion. A franchise looking for a star to build around could take a swing on him, hoping his injury issues can be managed and his potential maximized.
The Path Forward
For now, the focus remains on getting Zion back on the court. His new agent, Bill Duffy, has reportedly emphasized patience and a long-term perspective. Zion is expected to return to practice soon, and the Pelicans will likely spend the rest of the season evaluating his health and value to the team.
But the clock is ticking. With Zion’s contract structured the way it is, major decisions loom. His $36.2 million salary for this season becomes fully guaranteed on January 7, and the team must decide whether to double down on Zion or begin exploring alternatives.
Zion Williamson’s career is at a critical juncture. His potential remains sky-high, but the path to realizing it has been anything but smooth. For the Pelicans, the decision of whether to stick with Zion or move on could define the franchise for years to come.
As one executive put it, “It’s a risk, but some team might take the risk.” Whether that team remains the Pelicans or another franchise altogether, one thing is certain: Zion Williamson’s story is far from over.
