Pelicans' Zion Williamson just made $16.8 million by playing 1 game

Zion Williamson just had to play on Friday night to earn $16.8 million.

Not a bad deal.

The New Orleans Pelicans' star has a clause in his contract that trigged a $16.8 million contract guarantee for the 2026-27 season by playing in 41 games this season. Friday was his 41st.

Zion can activate a lot more guaranteed money by getting onto the court more this season, too, shared by contract guru Keith Smith:

If Zion Williamson plays as he is expected to tonight (Friday), that will be his 41st game played this season. That will trigger a $16.8M contract guarantee for the 2026-27 season. If Williamson meets various weight conditions, he can trigger an additional $8.4M in guarantees.…

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The Pelicans are just 15-42 this season, so they don't have much to play for as a team.

It showed, as they were blown out by the Milwaukee Bucks, 139-118.

Zion did do his part. He had 32 points on 13-for-17 shooting from the floor. Williamson did finish with just two rebounds and two assists, though.

The Bucks, still playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo, were led by 27 points apiece from Cam Thomas and Ryan Rollins, with Kevin Porter Jr. adding 25.

The Pelicans still have 25 games to play this season, so Zion could activate his next two guarantees if he stays in action, as well.

For now, though, he at least knows he's got a good chunk of next season's contract in place.

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