Zion Williamson has publicly reiterated that he sees his future in New Orleans. The Pelicans star also announced that he is fit again after an injury-plagued season.
“I want to stay here. That’s no secret. I think I’ve made that clear several times with my statements,” Williamson emphasized on Saturday on the sidelines of a basketball camp he organized for children in New Orleans.
In the past few months, there has been speculation that Williamson and those around him might be dissatisfied in New Orleans and consider leaving. The 21-year-old has said several times since the end of the season that he wants to sign a contract extension with the Pelicans.
The No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft is still under contract until 2023, but can negotiate an early extension this summer. The Pelicans can put up to five years and $186 million on the table. However, it’s unclear if the franchise is willing to offer the full Max deal due to Zion’s injury history. New Orleans may want to include certain clauses to protect the youngster from further injuries.
When asked about the potential contract extension, Williamson said with a big grin on his face: “You have to ask the Pels.” According to front office boss David Griffin, they are confident that an agreement will be reached. “We are convinced that he wants to stay here and that we will come to an agreement,” Griffin recently said on the Ryen Russillo podcast (The Ringer).
Williamson did not play a game last season due to a foot fracture in the summer of 2021 and multiple setbacks in the healing process. Since the end of May he has been back regularly for workouts in the Pelicans hall and Zion emphasized: “It has been a long year for me with rehab and mental struggles. But now I’m fine. I’m ready to go to work .”
Even without Williamson, the Pelicans made it to the playoffs after a midseason trade for CJ McCollum, then after six games and a strong fight against the Phoenix Suns it was over in the first round. In McCollum, Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pels have a promising core for another postseason attack.
