The Pelicans will guarantee Zion Williamson’s $39.4 million salary for the 2025–26 NBA season, with incentives allowing him to earn back 100% of the amount.
The New Orleans Pelicans are heading into the 2025–26 season facing serious pressure after a highly disappointing campaign in which they finished second to last in the Western Conference.
Free throws this season
New Orleans Pelicans
NBA
A major factor in their struggles was the continued unavailability of franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson, who appeared in just 30 games last season due to injury.
Despite ongoing concerns about his durability and off-court distractions, the Pelicans have doubled down on their commitment to Williamson.
According to insider Shamit Dua, the team has elected to fully guarantee his $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season.
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Williamson originally signed a rookie max extension in 2022, though the final two years of the deal (2026–27 and 2027–28) remain non-guaranteed.
However, the 2025–26 season includes multiple performance-based incentives tied to availability and conditioning.
Per Dua, Williamson can earn back up to 100% of his salary by meeting four benchmarks: passing weigh-in standards (20%), playing at least 41 games (40%), 51 games (20%), and 61 games (20%).
When healthy, Zion remains a dominant force. In his limited action last season, he averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-high 5.3 assists per game.
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