Zion Williamson's NBA career has been quite the roller coaster.
The New Orleans Pelicans star has proven that he's one of the most dominant players at his position when healthy, but health has become an obvious concern for the former No. 1 pick.
But in 2025-2026, Williamson has found consistency with his availability. As a result, he'll get a massive contract update for the 2026-2027 NBA season. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Williamson's guarantee for next season takes a jump as he played in 51 games.
via Bobby Marks, ESPN: Another contract milestone for Zion Williamson. For playing in 51 games, Williamson’s guaranteed salary next season increases from $16.9M to $25.3M. Prior to the start of the season, his $42.2M salary in 2026-27 had $0
Another contract milestone for Zion Williamson.
For playing in 51 games, Williamson’s guaranteed salary next season increases from $16.9M to $25.3M.
Prior to the start of the season, his $42.2M salary in 2026-27 had $0 protection.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 14, 2026
protection.
This year, Williamson is in the midst of a five-year deal with the Pelicans. He's currently making $39.4 million. As Marks mentioned, Williamson is slated to make over $40 million in his age-26 season with the Pelicans.
The contract runs through the 2027-2028 season. Williamson could make as much as $44.8 million in salary during his final year as long as everything goes right for the standout forward.
Leading up to Friday night's 107-105 loss against the Houston Rockets, Williamson had appeared in 50 games for New Orleans. Seeing the court for just under 30 minutes per game, the star forward has been averaging 21.4 points (58% from the field, 25% from three).
Along with his scoring, Zion is coming down with 5.9 rebounds per game and dishing out 3.4 assists per game.
In 34 minutes on Friday, Williamson produced an efficient 34 points on 7-10 shooting from the field and 7-9 shooting from the charity stripe. The veteran added five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks to his line.
Next up, the Pelicans are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 16. Williamson will get an opportunity to build on his impressive season from a personal standpoint. While the Pelicans still have a lot of work to do, they are at least seeing that Williamson can stay healthy and productive after appearing in just 30 games last year.