The New Orleans Pelicans might have a big decision to make this summer. Despite having two rising stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on their roster, the Pelicans have failed to achieve any significant success in the playoffs. That makes the NBA World question whether the two stars fit well with each other. The Pelicans front office needs to decide if they want to continue with the Williamson-Ingram duo or trade one of these stars after the end of this season.

Amid the rumors, NBA Insider Shams Charania addressed the Zion and Ingram fit and discussed the potential split of the Pelicans duo. During the latest episode of the Club 520 Podcast, one of the panelists claimed the Pelicans will have to choose between Ingram and Zion this off-season. Charania questioned his claim, “Why can’t you pay them both?” Even though Ingram and Zion have missed several games due to injury in the last two seasons, they are on a highly expensive contract.

Ingram is in the 4th year of his 5-year $158.2 million contract. And Zion is currently on a 5-year $197.2 million supermax extension he signed in 2022. However, Zion’s contract is not fully guaranteed and has some conditions attached to it. Considering Zion’s injury struggles since his rookie season, the Pelicans put a unique clause in his new contract. “The contract has ways for Williamson to earn back the guarantees by playing in enough games and hitting specific weigh-in checkpoints.” Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic wrote. The Pelicans could waive Zion’s contract after next season. However, Charania claims that is unlikely to happen, “They’re not gonna void it.”

This season could define the Pelicans’ future

While the rumors of the Pelicans choosing between Zion and Ingram escalate, this season could define what the future holds for both superstars. This season is the first time in years that Ingram and Zion have stayed healthy for the majority of the games. Zion has already played 50 games this season, and Ingram has played 55. The duo has played great together and led the Pelicans to the 5th spot in the Western Conference standings. Zion and Ingram are also having similar performances in terms of stats.

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Zion is averaging 22.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Meanwhile, BI is averaging 21.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 5 rebounds. If both superstars stay healthy for the rest of the season and lead their team deep into the playoffs, the Pelicans might decide to stick with the duo and build around them in the upcoming seasons. With Zion and Ingram averaging similar numbers, it will be hard for the Pelicans to let go of one of these superstars. However, failing in the playoffs this season might lead them to make tough decisions in the summer.

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