New Orleans phenom Zion Williamson is eligible to sign a max extension with the Pelicans, and he indicated this weekend that he intends to accept that deal — dashing the long-shot hopes of Knicks fans who have dreamt of bringing the power forward to Madison Square Garden.
“I do want to be here. That’s no secret. I feel like I’ve stood on that when I spoke,” said Williamson on Saturday, while hosting a youth basketball camp event in the Big Easy.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Pelicans front office is preparing to offer Williamson a five-year, $186 million max rookie extension (with potential protections against injury for the superstar that has missed significant time with health-related problems).
Signing that deal would kill the dreams of New York basketball fans, who have highlighted the possibility of reuniting Williamson with his Duke teammates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish in Madison Square Garden.
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While the Knicks are often linked to marquee stars looking to change teams, Williamson has long been rumored to be unhappy with his situation in New Orleans, as he’s dealt with injuries and left the team during his rehab process — leaving observers to wonder if he was looking towards the exit.
The 6′ 6″ hyper-athletic baller missed the entire 2021-22 season with a foot injury, and played just a combined 85 games during his first 2 seasons in the NBA.
“I’m fine now. I’m ready to get to work,” he said.
Other rumors suggested that Williamson was looking to land in a bigger basketball market — increasing the speculation that he could find himself under the big lights of New York in a blue and orange Knicks jersey.
But, alas, the star looks increasingly committed to signing a new long-term contract with the Pelicans, provided they offer it.
“You have to ask the Pels,” he said with a smile, when asked about the possibility of a new contract, according to Wojnarowski.
The Knicks boast a young core of players, led by Barrett, along with Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, who performed well towards the end of the season.
After a disappointing season, which saw the Knicks go just 37–45 and miss the playoffs, fans entered the offseason hopping to see a splashy free agent signing or a big trade — which could still happen.
The team has been linked to Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell, Wizard star Bradley Beal and Blazers backcourt man Damian Lillard.
But it increasingly looks as though hopes of recreating the Duke trio will be dashed, as Williamson figures to be in a Pelicans jersey for the upcoming few years.
