The New Orleans Pelicans have no plans to waive Zion Williamson, despite ongoing concerns regarding his health and contract. NBA insider Shams Charania clarified that the team is committed to finding a way to keep the star forward on the court.
“Right now, the Pelicans have no intention of waiving Zion Williamson,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Their number one objective is to get him back on the court and build the right support around him.”
Williamson, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has appeared in only six games this season. Despite this, he is still putting up solid numbers when healthy, averaging 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31 minutes per game.
Concerns surrounding Williamson’s health have been a consistent issue throughout his career. His weight, body fat, and injury history have all contributed to questions about his long-term viability.
This season, he must meet certain benchmarks for his contract to be fully guaranteed, including passing weigh-ins and playing a minimum number of games.
While there are ways the Pelicans could waive him and save money, such an action is not being considered at the moment. The team’s front office is focused on ensuring that Williamson gets the necessary support and remains healthy enough to contribute for years to come.
Williamson’s contract includes clauses that trigger guarantees based on weight and games played. If he passes all weigh-in checkpoints and plays enough games, his salary for the 2025-26 season will become guaranteed. The same applies to the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, with guarantees kicking in if Williamson meets performance criteria.
Despite his injuries, the Pelicans are committed to working with Williamson. The organization is focused on the long-term potential of the 24-year-old forward, who was once seen as the future of the franchise.
However, with the team struggling this season, the pressure is mounting to get Williamson healthy and back on the court. The Pelicans are currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, and Williamson’s absence has left a noticeable void.
