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The New Orleans Pelicans entered negotiations with Zion Williamson over a possible maximum rookie extension. Early reports suggested that the deal could be worth around $231 million. Chris Broussard believes that is no guarantee of Williamson's loyalty.
Williamson was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, and the Pelicans are looking to build around him. Unfortunately, the All-Star forward is injury prone.
Although Williamson still has one year left on his rookie deal, the Pelicans chose to offer him an extension as quickly as possible. Williamson, who has missed a significant number of games since getting drafted, has been eager to sign a new deal.
However, Broussard thinks $231 million might be too much for a player whose availability cannot be guaranteed. On The Odd Couple with Chris Broussard & Rob Parker, Broussard said huge contracts do not guarantee that players are locked in.
"We've seen, and look, I get it, you want to keep guys happy and things like that. But, its players have proven, in fact, in New Orleans, that just because your name is signed on the dotted line doesn't mean you got them locked in. Unfortunately, I mean, we're learning that in Brooklyn. Kevin Durant got four years left on his deal, and he's requesting the trade."
Broussard used former New Orleans star Anthony Davis as an example. He pointed out that, despite having two years left on his deal, Davis chose to join the LA Lakers in 2019.
"I mean, Zion, a year from now, could request the trade for all we know," he continued. "So, it doesn't really lock you in, and New Orleans, of course, knows this from Anthony Davis. He had a full year left and was in the beginning of his second year with two years left when he requested the trade. And so, it doesn't give you the security you'd hope for. A lot of these franchises will still be kissing the tails of these guys.
"I'm fine with them locking it in now, if there are incentives, if it is incentive-laden based on games played and health. But if it isn't, I think it is a risk I would not have taken because you think you're pleasing the player, and they still want out."
Zion Williamson did not play a single game for the New Orleans Pelicans last season
Williamson has endured several injuries and is starting to become a concern. In his rookie season, the Duke product played only 24 games due to a right knee injury.
Although he had an impressive sophomore campaign, playing in 61 of 72 games and averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds, he missed the entirety of last season.
Williamson suffered a foot injury during the 2021 offseason and had to undergo surgery. Although he had several timelines to return throughout the season, he always regressed.
Sightings of the big man showed that he had put on a lot of weight, which drew criticism from NBA analysts and fans.
However, the Pelicans managed to qualify for the playoffs through the play-in tournament. In the three years Williamson has spent with the franchise, he has never featured in the playoffs.
Guess the Lakers players!
