Zion Williamson, Who Was Once Called “Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s Baby”, Has a Strange Clause in His Contract to Restrict His Weight
Follow Us
In 2019 the biggest talent since LeBron James came into the NBA. After a single dominant season at Duke, Zion Williamson marched into the NBA. However, despite his unique gifts, they have come to bite the New Orleans Pelicans All-Star. After missing out on an entire season due to injury, the Pelicans are making sure Williamson doesn’t slip up again. And they are doing so by adding a stipulation to his new contract.
After spending an entire season on the sidelines, major concerns hounded Williamson. Analysts grilled him for his weight and predicted a short NBA career ahead of him. Some even said the All-Star may never play again. However, the Pelicans seem to know his true value. Hence despite the noise, they gave him the max rookie extension of $193 million for five years. But Williamson can’t rest easy just yet.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
To prevent him from becoming overweight again, New Orleans has added a weight clause to his contract. And his guaranteed money depends on it.
Zion Williamson under periodic weight checks
Williamson went through truckloads of criticism during his rehab journey. An injured toe kept the former number one pick out for the entire 2021-22 NBA season. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was the most vocal of all in his ruthless strikes at Williamson. But now the 22-year-old is all set to return to the court.
Lakers Coach Darvin Ham Unleashes Massive 4 Word LeBron James Warning on Younger NBA Roster
However, despite being healthy now, his weight is always going to be a big hurdle. Hence, the New Orleans Pelicans had to come up with something clever. Likewise, they did so by putting his guaranteed money on a string.
Trending
Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers
April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT
Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially
April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT
Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy
April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT
“Doesnt Really Care”: Fans Slam Chicago Sky for Dull Welcome to Angel Reese, Satisfying Caitlin Clark Faithful More
April 28, 2024 02:01 PM EDT
“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA
April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“(Zion’s) contract stipulates that he will have weigh-ins periodically throughout…his new deal. The sum of his weight & body fat percentage must be below 295. If it is not, the amount of guaranteed money in (his) contract can be reduced.”
via @cclark_13, https://t.co/32YOpOoYp2 pic.twitter.com/95NDegRkXS
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 28, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It isn’t a surprise that a healthy Zion Williamson can change the look of the New Orleans Pelicans. Before getting hurt, he was one of the leading scorers in the league averaging 27 points per game. However, now with the regular weigh-ins, he will have to be watchful.
Listed as 284 pounds, Williamson will need to work on his body immensely. While the contract seems strict, in the long run, it may be a gift for Zion. If he can utilize his talents on the court while being healthy, there’s no telling just how good the NBA All-Star could become in his prime moving forward.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Michael Jordans 5 Rumored Affairs After Divorce with Juanita Vanoy
Do you think the New Orleans Pelicans are making the right move? Let us know your views in the comments below.
Edited by:
Veer Badani