Zion Williamson didn't suit up for the Pelicans during the 2021-22 season, but when he makes his return to the floor in 2022-23, he'll do so with a new contract.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Williamson is set to sign a five-year rookie max contract extension that would keep him in New Orleans through the 2027-28 season.
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is nearing a five-year rookie max contract extension worth up to $231 million, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The commitment will take Williamson’s new deal through the 2027-28 season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2022
Williamson underwent foot surgery during the 2021 offseason that ultimately held him out of the entire season due to a number of setbacks during the 21-year-old's road to recovery.
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The team originally announced on Nov. 26 that Williamson had been cleared to participate in full team activities, but days later, he was shut down from basketball activities once again. On Dec. 16, the Pelicans announced that Williamson would be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks after receiving an injection in his right foot.
The Pelicans provided an update on Jan. 5 that Williamson was continuing his rehab on his injured foot away from the team.
“As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult process for me,” Williamson said in a statement. “I know there’s work to be done in my recovery before I can safely return to the court, but I will continue to put in the time necessary so I can get back on the floor with my team and represent Pelicans fans and the city of New Orleans at the highest level.
Then, close to the All-Star break on Feb. 10, Pelicans Executive Vice President David Griffin shared an update on Williamson.
"Zion continues to progress well anecdotally at least. He feels very good," Griffin mentioned. "We hope that towards the end of next week or beginning of the following, we'll have some imaging done and have a better update."
What's next for Williamson? Here's everything we know about his injury and the latest news on when he may return to the court.
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Zion Williamson injury timeline
It was revealed during the team's media day that Williamson underwent surgery to repair a fractured right foot during the offseason. Williamson is said to have suffered the injury prior to the start of the 2021 NBA Summer League.
The Pelicans were initially hopeful that his timeline would "get him back on the court in time for the regular season."
David Griffin on Zion's injury update#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/5WjdV0VpVe
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 27, 2021
On March 2, the Pelicans announced that Williamson would gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities but remained out indefinitely.
On March 5, the Pelicans announced that Williamson had rejoined the team from his rehabilitation in Portland, Oregon, and he was cleared to progress in basketball activities.
On March 23, head coach Willie Green shared an encouraging update that Williamson had been cleared to do 1-on-1 work, which he was spotted doing with Pelicans player development coach Corey Brewer.
Shaky footage of Zion dunking against Corey Brewer. pic.twitter.com/o0p45q96pJ
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 23, 2022
The Pelicans announced on May 26 that Williamson had been cleared in his return to play without restrictions.
Update on Zion:
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 26, 2022
Recent imaging of Williamson’s right fifth metatarsal showed continued improvement.
Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions. pic.twitter.com/xZAtf9lyVn
When could Zion Williamson return from injury?
With Williamson receiving full clearance in May, the expectation is that he will be ready to play when training camp begins at the end of September or early October.
The 2022-23 NBA season will begin in October.
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Zion Williamson injury history
The No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson was limited to 24 games in his rookie season after he underwent surgery to repair a torn right lateral meniscus.
Williamson appeared in 61 of a possible 72 games in his sophomore season and earned the first All-Star selection of his career with averages of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He missed the last seven games of the season with a fractured left ring finger.
