The New Orleans Pelicans are clearly determined to keen Zion Williamson in the best shape possible and have inserted a weight clause into his new contract.
Williamson penned a shiny five-year extension to stay with the Pelicans this off-season.
It's a deal that's reportedly worth up to $231 million.
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But it turns out some of that cash could be taken away from him, thanks to one clause.
According to reports, Williamson has a strict weight clause embedded into his contract and if he breaks that clause he could lose out on money.
Christian Clark of NOLA.com wrote: “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.”
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On the flip side, the 22-year-old's contract bonuses will kick in if he is named All-NBA, MVP or Defensive Player of the Year next season.
According to the team's website, the Pelicans currently have Williamson listed at 6-foot-6-inches and 284 pounds, although his weight - especially during his long injury lay-offs - have been an issue for the coaching staff.
One report from Bleacher Report claims Williamson weighed more than 300 pounds at one point while he was sidelined.
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It's those injuries that have left the fans frustrated after the team selected him with the first overall pick in the 2019 Draft.
This season, with a new contract signed off, Williamson is keen to prove his worth.
“For the Pelicans to come give me this birthday gift, I’m not going to let them down,” Williamson said last month.
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“I’m not going to let the city down. I’m not going to let my family down. Most importantly, I’m not going to let myself down.”“The ultimate goal is to win a championship. That’s what we’re all striving for. We’re hungry.”
Topics: Australia, NBA, Basketball
Max Sherry