What's Going On With Zion Williamson?

NBA Free Agency has gotten off to a hot start with some all-time high deals being made already. One of the most notable players still remaining in the free agency pool is Zion Williamson, who, contrary to popular belief, has only played 85 games throughout his first three seasons because of injury. 

Although we haven't seen much of him lately, The Pelicans are rumored to be in the final stages of making a big commitment to Zion Williamson.

Shams Charania shared on Twitter that, “Williamson is nearing a five-year extension "worth up to" $231 million with the Pelicans. The deal will take Williamson through the 2027-28 season.”

Zion Williamson is a basketball phenom and powerhouse at his position, and is at the forefront of the new age of the game and leading the new generation in his position, but if he’s not playing enough games that talent and skill will never get to the peak. 

It will be interesting to see if there are any options and/or protections in Williamson's contract because of his injury history. 

Either way, in this scenario there is definitely a bottom line of goals to be met in order to get the maximum output of this offer. As Spotrac's Keith Smith detailed, Williamson will either have to make an All-NBA team, win Defensive Player of the Year, or be crowned MVP in 2022-23 to be eligible for the full $231 million. If he doesn't earn one of those honors, Williamson's contract will be around $193 million.