What Zion Williamson Stands to Earn on His Rookie Contract
By Jerry Trotta
Was it ever really in doubt?
Thursday night in Brooklyn, the New Orleans Pelicans made a it official by selecting former Duke freshman phenom Zion Williamson with the No.1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. And with this big moment comes a big paycheck.
Estimated Zion Williamson Salary and Contract Details
It's been the expected outcome ever since the Pels' were awarded the No.1 selection back on May 14, but now that it's formally in the past, Zion will soon get his first taste of an NBA salary. Before being eligible for an extension, Williamson is now eligible to rake in $9.7 million in the first year of his rookie deal and a total of just over $44 million over four years, notes ESPN's Bobby Marks
Zion Williamson will earn $9.7M in year 1 of his contract- $44.2M in total money over four seasons. Welcome to the NBA,
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 20, 2019
From the surface, this kind of salary might appear to not be enough for a player that generates the sort of hype or boasts the kind of potential that Williamson does, but its only the start of his earnings.
Zion is now free to sign endorsement deals with sponsorship brands -- though he might have to sort out some legal complications before moving forward -- but, of course, he is still going to be in high demand.
Zion Williamson is officially headed to New Orleans! This is huge for Pelican fan everywhere.
— 12up (@12upSport) June 20, 2019
The great thing about Williamson, however, is that he will give 110% on the court no matter how much dough he earns on an annual basis.
Are you ready, Nola? The most heralded NBA prospect since LeBron James is yours for the foreseeable future, and he won't even break the bank for the first few years.