This might come as a shocker, but Zion Williamson is still just 22 years old. Yes, even despite all the controversy surrounding the young Pelicans star’s availability over the last year, he is only the age of a typical college senior. In other words: Oh my goodness, he is so young.
The Pelicans have started to look to the future with Williamson finally fully recovered from a Jones fracture that saw him miss the entire 2021-2022 season. They thought their franchise player was so ready to throw down tomahawk dunks again that they recently gave Williamson a new five-year $193 million deal in early July.
Ah, but given his past conditioning and injury issues, there’s an important caveat in that deal before Williamson leads the Pelicans to contention.
According to Nola.com’s Christian Clark, New Orleans has a unique clause built into Williamson’s deal: He has to keep his total weight and body fat percentage at a certain threshold. Now that’s fascinating.
More from Nola.com:
“According to league sources, Williamson’s contract stipulates that he will have weigh-ins periodically throughout the entirety of his new deal. The sum of his weight and body fat percentage must be below 295. If it is not, the amount of guaranteed money in Williamson’s contract can be reduced.”
Oh wow. While it’s unclear how much money Williamson could lose if he doesn’t keep his conditioning up, that is a unique stipulation to throw into anyone’s contract. Headed into last year’s training camp, the six-foot-six Williamson was reportedly weighing in at well above 300 pounds, according to the Times-Picayune in February.
It’s worth noting that, according to odds-makers with Tipico Sportsbook, Williamson is +1500 (fourth-best) to win next season’s Most Improved Player Award. Of course, he’ll have to stay off the injured list to have a chance.
We’ll see whether the Pelicans’ particular conditions for Williamson — their hopeful long-term talisman — manifest in the best results for everyone involved.
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