Zion Williamson Sheds Pounds, But Can He Shed His Injury-Prone Label?

Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ star forward, has become a lightning rod for debate as his dramatic weight loss has brought renewed attention to his tumultuous NBA career. Reports indicate that Williamson has slimmed down to 281 pounds and is pushing to reach 272 pounds before the season begins—a figure that would mark the lowest playing weight of his professional career. This development has not only fueled optimism among his supporters but also stirred up controversy about the underlying reasons for his intense offseason conditioning efforts.

For a player whose weight and injury history have been the subject of constant scrutiny, this transformation is seen by many as a crucial step toward fulfilling the immense potential he demonstrated during his time at Duke. Williamson entered the NBA with great expectations, but his inability to maintain consistent health has been a significant hurdle. As a result, his conditioning has become a focal point, not just for his performance on the court, but also for his financial future with the new Orleans Pelicans.

In 2022, Williamson signed a five-year, $197.23 million rookie extension with the Pelicans. However, the deal is riddled with stipulations related to his weight and health. These conditions reflect the team’s cautious approach, a direct consequence of Williamson’s recurring injuries and the toll they have taken on his availability. According to reports, the second year of the contract, the 2024-25 season, is only 50% guaranteed. The full guarantee hinges on Williamson meeting specific criteria, including the number of games played and maintaining his weight below a certain threshold.

This season is particularly critical for Williamson, as the final three years of his contract, spanning 2025 to 2028, are non-guaranteed. This clause was activated after Williamson managed to play in only 29 games during the 2022-23 season, well below the required number to secure those years. The implication is clear: if Williamson fails to meet his contractual obligations, including maintaining his weight and body fat percentage, the Pelicans could waive him after the 2024-25 season without any financial repercussions.

The specifics of the contract reveal just how much is at stake. To guarantee at least 20% of his salary for the 2025-26 season, Williamson must pass all six weigh-ins scheduled throughout the 2024-25 season. These weigh-ins are designed to ensure that his weight does not exceed 295 pounds, including a strict body fat percentage limit. For a player who has battled weight issues throughout his career, these requirements add immense pressure.

According to Spotrac, Williamson is owed $39,446,090 for the 2025-26 season. However, the guarantee of that sum is contingent on his performance during the upcoming season. If he meets the weight and body fat requirements, $7,889,218 of his salary will be guaranteed. The remainder of his salary will depend on the number of games he plays, with the contract stipulating guarantees of 40% if he plays 41 or more games, 60% for 51 or more games, and 80% for 61 or more games.

This intricate web of conditions highlights the precarious nature of Williamson’s position. His weight loss, while encouraging, is not just about personal health or professional pride—it is about securing his financial future in the NBA. The stakes could not be higher, and the pressure on Zion Williamson to stay healthy and in shape has never been more intense.

As Zion Williamson continues his quest to shed pounds and secure his contract, the broader NBA community is left to ponder whether this is a story of redemption or desperation. On one hand, Williamson’s dedication to weight loss can be seen as a positive step, reflecting his commitment to overcoming the challenges that have plagued his career. If he succeeds in staying healthy and performing at a high level, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter, one in which Williamson finally lives up to the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick.

On the other hand, the sheer number of stipulations in his contract raises questions about the Pelicans’ confidence in their star player. Is this a sign that the organization is hedging its bets, uncertain about Williamson’s ability to maintain his fitness and durability over the long term? The fact that his contract includes such detailed weight-related clauses suggests a level of concern that goes beyond the norm for NBA players.

The pressure on Zion Williamson is immense, and the upcoming season will be a defining moment in his career. If he can stay in shape, meet his contract’s conditions, and contribute meaningfully on the court, he could secure his future with the Pelicans and reestablish himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. However, if he falters, the consequences could be severe—not just financially, but also in terms of his reputation and legacy.