New Orleans Pelicans Expected To Extend Star Forward This Off-Season

Back in 2019, Zion Williamson was hailed as a generational superstar, with the New Orleans Pelicans getting lucky enough to land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and thus, the Duke superstar as well. Unfortunately, he's not quite been the player that many expected, as he has dealt with plenty of injuries over the past seven years, playing in an average of just 39 games per season over that span, including missing the entire 2021/22 season.

When healthy, Williamson has been a very good player, averaging 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, being named an All-Star twice, but there's been issues off the court as well. That's led many to believe that the Pelicans are ready to move on from the talented 25-year old, but now, conflicting reports have emerged, with the latest report revealing the team are considering a 2-3 year extension for him this off-season.

That deal would be worth between $30 and $35 million a year, and while some would see that as an overpay, if Zion can play between 60 and 80 games a season, with his production, he's still a very valuable player at the NBA level.

Ultimately, if the Pelicans are able to turn things around moving forward, Zion will be a key piece of all of that, and while he's had his issues both on and off the court, it would make sense for them to extend him this off-season as they look to keep him in New Orleans.