Pelicans GM on Zion Williamson’s extension: This is a max player. That’s easy

What is a fair deal for an often-injured player who is such a force? Someone whom a championship-winning coach once compared to Shaquille O’Neal with point guard skills? The Pelicans and Williamson’s representatives will try to answer that question this summer. “Obviously, that conversation is going to be one that will be a challenge,” executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said. “When it’s time to have that, we’ll have it. And right now what we’re focused on is him being healthy, and (being in) kind of elite condition to play basketball, and we’ll start there.” -via New Orleans Times-Picayune / May 16, 2022

Second, Williamson could sign an offer sheet with another team and force the Pelicans to either match it or let him walk. That offer sheet projects to look like this: * 2023-24: $32,025,000 * 2024-25: $33,626,250 * 2025-26: $35,227,500 * 2026-27: $36,828,750 * Total: Four years, $137,707,500 This is a four-year max deal with 5% raises. Generally, an offer sheet includes all the bells and whistles to entice the incumbent to let the player walk. This deal would likely include a 15% trade bonus, a player option on the fourth season and probably some up front actual payments. The idea is to make it so that it’s as uncomfortable as possible for the incumbent team to match. -via Spotrac.com / May 9, 2022

After Williamson’s comments at the Pelicans’ end-of-season presser last week, the question should no longer be if he’ll sign an extension but when. Asked about his interest in inking a new deal with New Orleans this summer, the 21-year-old responded: “Of course. I wouldn’t be able to sign it fast enough.” The sound bite was everything fans in the Crescent City could’ve hoped to hear from the face of the franchise after his tumultuous year. But as I wrote Friday, I don’t think the negotiations will be as simple as that comment might make them seem. -via The Athletic / May 4, 2022