Zion Williamson will unlock a major incentive in his contract once he takes the floor against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As perNBA reporter Keith Smith, the game against the Bucks will be his 41st game of the season and will trigger a $16.8 million contract guarantee for the 2026-27 season.
The former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick also stands to gain an additional $8.4 million in guarantees if he meets various weight conditions. These clauses were included in his five-year, $197.2 million contract extension. The New Orleans Pelicans have included these guarantees contingent on Zion passing weigh-ins, and they are scheduled to get triggered at the 41, 51, and 61-game marks.
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At 51 games played, the guarantee increases to $25.3 million, and at 61 games, it will grow to $33.7 million. The full guarantee of $42.2 million gets activated by playing in 61 games and meeting various weight conditions the franchise has set for him, or on July 15.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1)Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
(Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)
These clauses introduced by the Pelicans were a result of Williamson missing significant chunks of his first three seasons in the NBA, which were marred by injuries and off-court issues. Williamson missing the 2021-22 season in its entirety was considered a major red flag, and his 29 appearances in the 2022-23 season triggered a clause in his contract that converted his salaries for the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 seasons from guaranteed to non-guaranteed.
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Zion’s minutes and appearances went up during the 2023-24 season, when he played 70 games. That was followed by another disappointing season with 30 games played, but after years of struggling with fitness issues, he has a chance to play in 50-plus games for just the third time in his seven-year career. He has been a steady performer for the Pelicans this year, averaging 21.6 points and 6.1 rebounds.
Despite the former Duke star’s improved health and scoring efficiency (with an eFG% of 58.4), the Pelicans have a disappointing 15-41 record, the second-worst in the Western Conference. As James Borrego’s team heads toward the lottery in the draft, they are likely already plotting to land a young gun to pair with a now fit and firing Williamson.
Related: Can Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Overcome Injuries to Finally Reach Potential?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.