AROUND the NBA:

[michaeltex]

@ShamsCharania
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson suffered a hamstring strain and is out indefinitely. Williamson will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks, sources tell ESPN.

IIRC, NOP built in some availability clauses into Zion's extension contract. Wonder how this will affect his earnings and their salary cap?

According to sportrac:

• Contract details per The Athletic/Mike Vorkunov (12/21/23)
  
  
  • Guaranteed seasons became non-guaranteed due to games played clause:
    
    
    • 2024-25: 50% guaranteed, fully guaranteed 1/7/25
      
    • 2025-26: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/25
      
    • 2026-27: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/26
      
    • 2027-28: non-guaranteed, fully guaranteed 7/15/27
      
  • Guarantee triggers exist if certain criteria has been met: 
    
    
    • 20% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if passes all six of his weigh-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season
      
    • 40% of 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed if plays >= 41 games during 2024-25 season, additional 20% if plays >= 51 games, remaining 20% if plays >= 61 games.
      
      
      • Salaries for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons can be re-guaranteed if above metrics are hit the season prior
        
  • Further protections via:
    
    • Weight must be less than 295 lbs; body fat monitored
      
    • Injury sustained to right foot