Zion Williamson Rumors: Pelicans Max Contract Includes Injury Protections

New Orleans agreed to a five-year, $193 million designated maximum rookies extension that could be worth up to $231 million.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic said that the contract protects against injury.

There are protections in Zion's max extension, but he wanted to get it done, according to sources.

He's going to have no problems meeting these standards if he's healthy and playing.

He missed all of last year with a foot injury. He was held to 24 games in his first year after tearing his knee.

In the 2020-21 season, the ex-Duke star made his first All-Star Game and averaged 27.0 points per game on 61.2 percent shooting and 7.2 rebound.

If he makes an All-NBA team, he will get the max value of his deal, which seems like a formality if he stays healthy.

The top-seeded Phoenix Suns were knocked out of the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans.

With him back in the mix, the Pelicans should be in a good position to make the playoffs. There are a number of talented players, including a trio of scorers, and a number of young players.

Will he be able to play most of the season after missing most of last year and most of his first year? The good news is that he will be on the floor next season.

The last official update on the Pels was on May 26th.

New Orleans Pelicans @PelicansNBA

Update on Zion: Recent imaging of Williamson’s right fifth metatarsal showed continued improvement.

Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions. pic.twitter.com/xZAtf9lyVn

There are a lot of reasons to be positive about New Orleans' basketball future, and one of the top reasons is the return of Zion.