The New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated from the post season on Thursday, but star Big Man Zion Williamson liked what he saw in the franchise. Williamson – who has not been rehabilitated all season due to a foot injury – said he would love to sign a long-term extension with the Pelicans if offered by the team.
Williamson clarified his thoughts, “of course” he would sign an extension with the team. Williamson took things a step further and said, “I can’t sign it fast enough.”
Williamson, 21, is about to enter the final year of his rookie contract. The Pelicans could offer Williamson a की 186 million rookie extension for five years to stay with the team. Williamson has put on superstar-caliber numbers while healthy. If he returns and dominates next season, Williamson will prepare himself for a big deal in the free-agent market. Pelicans risk losing Williamson if that happens, giving them some incentive to offer Williamson in the offseason.
Will Zion Williamson stay with the Pelicans?
It’s nice to sign a big expansion, but Pelican fans know it doesn’t make much sense. Anthony Davis signed a rookie extension with the club and then demanded a trade before the end of the contract. Davis was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed a five-year, $ 189.9 million contract in 2020 to live in Los Angeles.
Williamson can do that, yet the Pelicans have a good team around him. Brandon Ingram has continued to build strong numbers and the team’s threat – Jose Alvarado, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III – have all made promises.
The team also traded for veteran CJ McCullum in the trading deadline. McCullum and Williamson’s relationship was called into question shortly after the deal was struck, when it was revealed that the two had not spoken. That situation improved, and Williamson spoke favorably of McCullum on Friday.
Zion on the CJ issue at All-Star Break: “Honestly, I was focused on rehab at the time. I sent a text to CJ shortly after to apologize for that. As I said, I was not in a good mental state. Mr. McCullum, he was great about it. “
- Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 29, 2022
McCallum has a one-season deal with the Pelicans.
The Pelicans were able to rally after a terrific 3-16 start to advance to the playoffs. The Pelicans needed two play-in games to get there, but, to their credit, they did it.
Williamson did not play the entire season, but the team did succeed. The team should improve a lot next year with Williamson. As long as Pelican feels that Williamson has fully recovered from his foot injury, the team should pay attention to make sure he is as long as possible.
