BY CHRISTIAN CLARK | Staff writer On his 22nd birthday, Zion Williamson signed a gargantuan deal. The New Orleans Pelicans forward inked a five-year extension worth as much as $231 million. At the time, it was unknown how much of the contract was fully guaranteed. A lot of those details have yet to trickle out. But on Thursday, I reported that Williamson's extension contains weight clauses. Here's how it works: The sum of Williamson's weight and body fat percentage must be below 295. If it is not, the amount of guaranteed money in his contract can be reduced. Williamson has struggled to stay in shape since the Pelicans drafted him No. 1 in 2019. But after being cleared to play without restrictions in May, the young star appears to have made strides in this area. Williamson has been working with Jasper Bibbs, a personal strength coach who spent time with the Utah Jazz, for several months. He has also hired Christian Green, a personal chef who graduated from Dillard University and has been cooking in and around New Orleans ever since. Our Rod Walker called Williamson's extension a win-win for Williamson and the Pelicans. I'm with him. This is a good deal for both sides. The Pelicans aren't giving Williamson nine figures with no strings attached. But what they've written into the contract is reasonable. A healthy, motivated Williamson makes the Pelicans a dangerous basketball team. I agree with coach Willie Green's assessment that adding him to this core makes New Orleans "scary." -- Christian |