If You Thought Zion WIlliamson Wasn't Fit Already...
Report: Zion Williamson's $193 million contract requires him to stay below 295 pounds (link)
After many rumors regarding the situation behind Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans, and his willingness to stay, they finally agreed to a contract not too long ago. There is little doubt that Zion wants to stay, and the Pelicans want him around for a while, but only on one big condition.
The Pelicans star signed a five-year, $193 million max contract earlier this month that could be worth as much as $231 million. According to The Times-Picayune, the contract stipulates that Williamson must weigh in at below 295 pounds periodically throughout the deal. His body fat percentage will also be monitored. Should Williamson tip the scales too much, the amount of guaranteed money in his contract can be reduced.
It is certainly understandable from the Pelicans' point of view. The 22-year-old's weight and conditioning have been major issues, with some concerns dating back to college. One recent example was when he reported to training camp last September at "well above" 300 pounds. Even at his listed 284 pounds, Williamson is among the five heaviest players in the NBA, and the rest of his cohorts in that group are all 6-foot-10 or taller. Williamson is 6-foot-6.
Williamson's body shape hasn't prevented him from being one of the most explosive players in the NBA when healthy, but that has been the rub. Williamson has frequently sustained lower body injuries since entering the NBA, missing 44 games as a rookie after tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee and missing all of last season with a broken metatarsal in his right foot.
Despite his talent, in three years, Williamson has played a total of 85 games.
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