New Orleans Pelicans David Griffin was the vice president of basketball operations Zion Williamson Max player, who said it was easy to offer him a big-money extension.
Williamson is eligible for a five-year, $181million max rookie extension this year. His availability for the future is still a question after he suffered a right-foot fracture that left him unable to play in all of 2021-22.
Speak on “The Ryen Russillo Podcast,” Griffin said Williamson was “historically good” when on the court.
Griffin said that Griffin offered the Duke former star a max extension. Griffin stated that “The kid is historically great when he plays… it's a max player, so that's easy.”
Griffin noted, however that the team would need some protection against injuries.
“What's important is a team with a small market and who can't make errors in terms of injuries over the time? You have indemnified yourselves in some way and that's okay,” he stated. The decision about whether this player is a max player or not is an easy one. It really comes down to whether you are all the the way in with us. This is how it looks, and we're all all the way into with him. I believe we have always been.
Williamsons' recovery from injury was delayed to the beginning of the season. He began his rehabilitation in Portland in January. Griffin said that Williamson was always on the same page and they feel good about their relationship.
Griffin stated that Griffin was reassured by Willie Green's post-season media availability and expressed his belief in the team. “I witnessed him being utterly moved during the playoff run by Willie Green, his staff, and this team. We are confident that he will be here, and equally confident that we can reach an agreement.
Williamson stated that he would sign an extension at the team's April news conference.
He said, “I couldn’t sign it fast enough.”
Williamson, 21 years old, has a career average of 25.7 points and 7 rebounds, as well as 3.2 assists, while shooting just above 60%.
