Zion Williamson’s salary for the 2025/26 NBA season will become fully guaranteed if he remains with the New Orleans Pelicans through the upcoming Tuesday deadline, according to league sources cited by Shamit Dua. This step is expected as part of the team’s long-term plans despite ongoing concerns about Williamson’s health and availability.
Financial Implications if Williamson Were Waived
Had the Pelicans chosen to waive Williamson at this point, they would be responsible for only $7,889,218 of his $39,446,090 salary for the 2025/26 season. Doing so would also free them from paying his scheduled salaries in the following two seasons. However, the organization has not reportedly seriously considered this option for the 25-year-old forward, who remains a critical player despite persistent injury challenges since being drafted first overall.
Injury History and On-Court Performance
After appearing in a personal best 70 games during the 2023/24 season, Williamson’s playing time dropped sharply to just 30 games in 2024/25 due to hamstring and back injuries. This marked the fourth occasion in six NBA seasons where he did not exceed 30 games. Nevertheless, when on the floor, Williamson displayed his elite talent, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals over 28.6 minutes each game. His ability to perform at a high level remains unquestioned even if availability continues to be an issue.
Team Challenges and Off-Court Issues
The 2024/25 season proved difficult for the Pelicans as a whole, with only 21 wins and significant changes within the front office following the campaign. Williamson’s own season was further complicated by a one-game suspension in January after he was late for a team flight. Additionally, serious allegations of rape and abuse surfaced in the spring, casting uncertainty over his future with the franchise. Despite these difficulties, new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars reiterated last month that Williamson is still viewed as a foundational piece of the team’s roster, signaling no current plans for a trade or waiver.
Contract Structure and Future Salary Guarantees
Williamson’s contract contains specific milestones allowing him to progressively guarantee his future earnings. By playing at least 41 games next season, he can secure 40% of his 2026/27 salary; reaching 51 games guarantees an additional 20%, while 61 games secures another 20%. The final 20% requires meeting certain weight benchmarks, which he achieved last season, resulting in 20% of his 2025/26 salary already being guaranteed until this week.
The official decision date for confirming salary guarantees is July 15. If Williamson fails to re-guarantee all of his 2026/27 salary through games played and weight requirements, he must remain on the Pelicans’ roster through July 15, 2026, to have his full $42,166,510 salary for that season become guaranteed.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Zion Williamson’s vertical?
A. His impressive vertical jump reaches 45 inches. Imagine him rising almost four feet into the air.