NBA Rumors: The New Orleans Pelicans could refuse to offer Zion Williamson a fully guaranteed max contract extension this offseason.
Heading into the offseason, all eyes will be on the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson. At the moment, both sides are on the same page. Zion is healthy (he’s been officially cleared from his latest injury) and the Pelicans closed the season on a positive note.
However, over the next few weeks and couple of months that could drastically change. Zion is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and the expectation is that New Orleans will offer one. Though, according to a recent report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, there’s a chance the Pelicans don’t offer a fully guaranteed extension.
That, understandably, could create a schism between Zion and the Pelicans. And, in Windhorst’s words, could create some “drama” between the two sides this offseason.
"[via Real GM]“But from what I’ve been told, the Pelicans at this point are not willing to offer a full five-year guaranteed deal. And a lot of it is flowing down from ownership.”"
Is there a scenario in which Zion understands where the Pelicans are coming from? Absolutely. However, is there also a scenario in which Zion demands a fully guaranteed max extension, and when he isn’t offered that gets made? Yes.
Zion missed his entire third season with New Orleans this season and will be looking to solidify the Pelicans after they acquired CJ McCollum at the NBA Trade Deadline this past season.
This should be an interesting offseason for the Pelicans. And the expectation has to be that something gets done between the Pelicans and Zion. It would be extremely surprising if something didn’t.
Though, if things get messy between the two sides, there will be plenty of teams ready to pounce. It should be interesting nonetheless and all eyes will be waiting to see how this situation all unfolds.