I feel for the Pelicans. He was a no brainer as the #1 pick and I was really high on Ja at the time. Zion had otherworldly potential though. It was no stretch to say he was as close to prime Barkley as we'd scene since Chuck was an MVP in Phoenix. Zion was more explosive, somehow, and was accustomed to the modern game. It wasn't the game that broke him physically though it's been his complete disregard for discipline and maintaining his health. He needed to drop some weight and play around 260-270, which is Lebron's reported weight, but Zion is almost always hovering the 300 mark his body can't sustain the weight and mileage.
It'll be interesting to see how his saga plays out because New Orleans has an out on his extension next season. They have until July 15, 2025 to cut him loose and not be on the hook for his salary. There are some smaller guarantees he could hit, if he can keep things under control. Seems the prospect of even getting 20% of the $39 million he's on the books for, as of now, will require he hits weight continually. For more than that it would require his return ASAP.
Zion Williamson contract and salary cap details, full contract breakdowns, salaries, signing bonus, roster bonus, dead money, and valuations.
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