It's hard to imagine that Zion, who was nationally known in high school and was hailed as the next James, would gradually return to the ordinary after entering the league.
Obesity and injuries have been a significant factor in Zion's ability to become a superstar since the draft entered the league, and at the same time, it has also affected Zion's personal income level. According to TA reporters, Zion's final three-year contract is no longer guaranteed due to his limited appearances last season, with only 29 appearances.
In July 2022, the Pelicans signed a five-year, $197 million contract with Zion, however the contract was not without risk, as Zion was out for considerable periods of time during the first three seasons of the NBA, including the entire 2021-22 season.
As a result, the team has added some important safeguards regarding Zion's health and fitness issues in case he is unavailable.
Zion only played 29 games last season, so the final three years of the contract are no longer guaranteed, according to a contract reviewed by The Athletic. After missing more than 22 games last season, Zion triggered a clause that changed his salary from guaranteed to non-guaranteed for the 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons.
That means the Pelicans have contractual power to fire Zion without financial consequences after the 24-25 season.
That said, if Zion doesn't think about losing weight to maintain his size and the negative injuries that affect his playing times, the Pelicans' $120 million contract in '25-27 will be recouped and he may be allowed to become a free agent.
This is also the first in NBA history to recoup a $120 million contract without losing weight...... At the same time, it also reveals the current situation of the NBA, talent is just a stepping stone, if you want to gain a foothold on this world-class stage, it will only be a flash in the pan if you don't work hard.
Of course, in the contract, Zion was also given the opportunity to make his contract back into a guaranteed contract by the following means:
1. If he passes all six weight checks in the '24-25 season, 20% of his salary in the '25-26 season will be re-secured.
2. If he plays at least 41 games in the 24-25 season, the other 40% will be reinstated
3. If he plays at least 51 games in the 24-25 season, the other 20% will be reinsecured
4. If he plays at least 61 games, the last 20% will also be re-guaranteed.
5. He could likewise regain some of the security of his salary for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons by reaching the same milestone in the following seasons.
To put it simply, if Zion wants to earn more money while avoiding being eventually abandoned by the team, playing more games and losing weight is the only way for him to go.
The money he has already obtained makes him too indulgent, even if it is hundreds of millions of dollars in annual salary, it can't shake his unbridled intemperance. And according to the latest reports, Zion is out again due to illness, and this is the sixth game he has missed this season.
If he really lost his contract because of his weight and playing opportunities, then there was a high probability that no team in the NBA at that time would be willing to lend a hand, and a player who couldn't even do self-discipline would be eager for him to play a wonderful performance on the court? I am afraid that it will really become a "new record" in the NBA at that time.