The New Orleans Pelicans are rolling the dice again on Zion Williamson. Despite all the injuries and the frustrating stops and starts, the team has officially locked in his $39.4 million salary for the 2025-26 NBA season. It’s a bold move, and one that says loud and clear that they still believe.
But make no mistake, this isn’t a blank check. The Pelicans are being smart about it. Williamson’s deal now comes with performance-based incentives designed to keep him healthy, in shape, and on the floor, where he’s undeniably electric when everything clicks.
Zion Williamson’s Paycheck Comes With Strings and a Scale
This new guarantee isn’t just about showing faith. It’s also about managing risk. The contract includes a series of benchmarks Williamson has to hit to unlock the salaries from his non-guaranteed years of 2026-27 and 2027-28. Here’s how it breaks down according to insider Shamit Dua:
- 20% bonus for passing monthly weigh-ins
- 40% bonus for playing at least 41 games
- 20% bonus for playing 51 games
- 20% bonus for playing 61 games
That weigh-in clause? Yeah, that one’s real. Each month, Zion’s weight and body fat have to stay under a certain number. It might sound a bit intense, but given his injury history and frame, the New Orleans Pelicans are trying to set him up for success and protect their investment in the process.
This setup isn’t just about discipline. It’s about accountability. After missing entire seasons and playing only 30 games last year, something had to change. These incentives are the team’s way of saying, “We’ve got your back, if you’ve got ours.”
Joe Dumars: “Zion’s Our Guy”
Pelicans EVP Joe Dumars didn’t mince words. He’s all in on Zion, calling him the “centerpiece” of the team’s future and stressing the need for him to grow into a leadership role. Actions speak louder than words, though, and the front office followed up by trading away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick, another sign they’re planning to win with Williamson, not without him.
At the same time, the structure of the deal gives them some breathing room. If Zion’s body betrays him again, the team can maintain some future salary cap flexibility. But if he holds up and plays at the level everyone knows he can, the rewards could be massive.
A Crucial Season For Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans
Let’s be real: this is a make-or-break year. Zion Williamson has shown flashes of being a once-in-a-generation talent. He’s the kind of player who can bully defenders in the paint, run the break like a guard, and light up a stadium when he’s rolling. But the question remains, can he stay healthy long enough to matter?
This contract could be the turning point. It’s equal parts vote of confidence and tough love. If Williamson puts together a full, dominant season, the Pelicans look like geniuses. If not, well, they’ve at least put up some guardrails.
Final Thoughts: Belief, Boundaries, and Big Stakes
This move tells us a lot about where the Pelicans stand. They haven’t given up on Williamson, but they’re not just crossing their fingers anymore either. They’ve built in checks, challenges, and incentives, making sure he’s got every reason to show up and show out.
Now, it’s up to Zion to answer the call. Is he the franchise savior New Orleans hoped for? Or just another “what-if” story in NBA history? One thing’s for sure: the 2025–26 season will tell us a lot.
Photo credit: © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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