On February 24, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season will resume tomorrow. So far this season, Pelicans star Zion has not played since injury. He has missed a full 59 games due to injuries, and when he will return is still unknown.
Earlier today, prominent journalist Anthony Puccio wrote an analysis of Zion's contract situation. He noted that this season is the third year of Zion's rookie contract ($44.3 million for 4 years) and that after the end of the season he is eligible for a 5-year early renewal contract worth $181 million.
If the Pelicans don't renew his contract early with Zion this summer, he'll become a restricted free agent next summer, with the option of signing the Pelicans on a one-year $17.6 million qualification offer contract and becoming a full free agent in the summer of 2024.
It is worth mentioning that the Pelicans officially released a marketing email to the holders of the 2022-23 season pass the day before yesterday. In the email, the Pelicans made no mention of Zion at all, stating: "Led by coach Willie Green and players Ingram, Valanciunas and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans are creating something special across the street from Super Dome Stadium, home of the NFL Saints." ”
At the same time, former Pelicans players, including Redick, have also recently exposed a series of unfavorable reports about Zion, and the famous Windhorst has revealed that Zion has been completely reimbursed this season. To be sure, after a long suspension with injury, the Pelicans have shaken up on a contract extension for Zion.
In his first two seasons, Zion played only 85 regular-season games, averaging 31.7 minutes per game, 25.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and shooting 60.4 percent from the field, and he was named to the All-Star Team last season. In addition, in the game in which Zion appeared, the Pelicans won 40 and lost 45.