On April 30, Beijing time, Zion did not hesitate at all on the issue of contract renewal. In today's interview, a reporter asked Zion if he would renew his contract this summer if the team wanted to, and Zion's response was: "Of course, I didn't sign fast enough!" ”
Zion qualified to sign a five-year, $181 million rookie contract extension this summer, and zion has not played this season due to an injury injury to a fractured right foot, playing just 85 games in his three-year career. Pelicans coach Willie Green said he was happy to hear Zion say he wanted to stay in New Orleans. "I like that he wants to stay here, wants to get healthier in the gym and try to be the best player," Green said.
Zion called the season a "tough year." Speaking about his injury, Zion said: "I think I'm fine and could have returned this season. But the team, the coaching staff and the management decided to let me continue to rest, and they thought it was the best option. Pelican vice president David Griffin said zion would undergo further scans in a few weeks to determine if he was fully recovered.
While Zion has made it clear that it will be renewed, it has not yet been determined whether the Pelicans will offer the highest contract extension. Salary expert Bobby Max has listed specific annual salaries of $181 million over five years: $31.2 million for the 2022-23 season, $33.8 million for the 2023-24 season, $36.3 million for the 2024-25 season, $38.8 million for the 2025-26 season, and $41.3 million for the 2026-27 season.
However, given Zion's injury problems, Max believes that the Pelicans may refer to Embiid's previous contract and sign a contract with Zion with an injury clause, if so, if Zion has a serious injury and does not play enough, his salary protection will be reduced, or even zero. At the lowest, the 5-year coverage is only $91 million.
Ben Stinar suggested that the Pelicans trade with the Trail Blazers, signing first and then trading zion for Lillard. Stinar said the Pelicans played very well without Zion, and that Zion has long-term injury risks. Lillard and McCollum reunited in New Orleans, and they've never played with a talented player like Ingram, which may be the missing puzzle of the two guns. The Blazers could get a 21-year-old All-Star to start rebuilding.