Zion Williamson stepped onto the NBA court with more hype than almost any rookie in recent memory. But the story of his career so far isn’t just about highlight-reel dunks—it’s about a fascinating intersection of massive earnings and persistent injury setbacks. Here’s a fact-packed look at where the New Orleans Pelicans star stands today, from his contract guarantees to his latest hamstring strain.

Age: 25 (born July 6, 2000) · Height: 6′ 6″ · Weight: 284 lbs · Team: New Orleans Pelicans · Draft year: 2019 · College: Duke

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Williamson signed a five-year rookie extension worth $197.23 million (SalarySwish)
  • Diagnosed with grade 1 left hamstring strain on Nov 4, 2025 (USA Today)
  • Pelicans fully guaranteed his 2025-26 salary on July 15, 2025 (The Athletic)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth beyond estimates in the $45 million range
  • Future trade possibilities remain uncertain
  • When Williamson will return from his right adductor injury
  • Whether he will meet weight and games-played benchmarks for full salary guarantee
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Williamson is expected to miss at least three weeks with a right adductor injury (Sports Illustrated)
  • Previous hamstring re-evaluation window was 7‑10 days (USA Today)

The key facts below set the baseline for every other question about Williamson’s career.

Key facts about Zion Williamson
Label Value
Age 25
Height 6′ 6″
Weight 284 lbs
Team New Orleans Pelicans
Drafted 1st overall, 2019
College Duke
Career earnings Over $130 million (including endorsements)

What is happening with Zion Williamson?

Current season performance

Williamson has appeared in limited games during the 2024‑25 season, averaging around 18 points per game in short stints. In a recent outing he produced 18 points (6‑8 FG) in 25 minutes, per a Sports Illustrated report. His minutes are still being managed as he works back from multiple injuries.

Recent injury status

On November 4, 2025, the Pelicans announced Williamson had been diagnosed with a grade 1 left hamstring strain and would be re-evaluated in 7‑10 days (USA Today). He missed eight games before returning on November 20 against the Denver Nuggets (Yahoo Sports). Then on December 3, 2025, a right adductor injury sidelined him again, with an estimated absence of at least three weeks (Sports Illustrated).

Trade rumors

As Williamson’s injury absences mount, speculation about his future with the Pelicans has grown. Yahoo Sports noted that his latest hamstring concern “cast doubt on his Pelicans future” (Yahoo Sports). However, the organization has publicly backed him, and the fully guaranteed salary for 2025‑26 suggests no immediate trade plans.

Bottom line: Williamson is currently sidelined with a right adductor injury after a series of setbacks. His availability remains the central narrative of the Pelicans’ season.

How much did Zion Williamson lose and how did he earn $130 million before 100 NBA games?

His rookie contract and endorsement deals

Williamson’s rookie scale deal with the Pelicans was worth $44.3 million over four years (SalarySwish). Before playing 100 games, he had already earned over $130 million in total, driven largely by a landmark endorsement pact with Jordan Brand reported at $75 million over five years (Forbes). In July 2022 he inked a five‑year rookie extension worth $197.23 million (SalarySwish).

Weight loss and conditioning history

Williamson’s weight has been a recurring topic. Standing 6’6″ and listed at 284 lbs (Forbes), his conditioning has been tied to injury frequency. The Pelicans contract includes six weigh‑in benchmarks each season; if all are met, 20% of his salary becomes guaranteed (The Athletic).

Financial losses from injuries

Williamson has missed significant time — he played only 30 games in the 2024‑25 season, which under contract provisions meant the Pelicans could have waived him before July 15, 2025 (The Athletic). The team chose instead to fully guarantee his 2025‑26 salary, a move widely interpreted as a bet on his recovery.

The trade‑off

Williamson’s $130 million pre‑100‑game earnings are a testament to his market power, but each injury‑riddled season reduces the net value the Pelicans extract from that investment.

The implication: Williamson’s earning power outpaces his availability, and the Pelicans are betting on a reversal of that trend.

What is Zion Williamson’s salary and net worth?

Current salary for 2024-25 season

For the 2024‑25 season, Williamson’s base salary was approximately $10.7 million. That number jumps to $39,446,090 for the 2025‑26 season (SalarySwish), after the Pelicans guaranteed his full salary.

Net worth estimate 2025

Forbes estimates Williamson’s net worth at $45 million (Forbes). This figure reflects his salary, endorsement income, and investment earnings, though it can fluctuate rapidly with contract guaranties.

Endorsement income (Jordan Brand, etc.)

Williamson’s Jordan Brand deal, reportedly worth $75 million over five years (Forbes), is one of the largest rookie shoe deals in NBA history. He also has partnerships with companies such as Gatorade and 2K Sports.

Why this matters

Williamson’s earnings exceed his on‑court production since his rookie extension, making his health the single largest financial variable for the Pelicans.

Does Zion Williamson have a wife or children?

Children details

Williamson has one daughter, born in 2021 (Forbes). He has shared limited information about his family life publicly.

Relationship status

There is no public information indicating that Williamson is married or has a wife. His relationship status remains private.

Zion Williamson stats, height, weight, and age

NBA career averages

Through his career, Williamson has averaged 22.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game (Forbes). These numbers place him among the most productive per‑minute players in the league — when healthy.

Physical measurements

Height: 6’6″. Weight: 284 lbs (Forbes). Wingspan is approximately 6’10”.

Age and birthday

Williamson was born on July 6, 2000 (Forbes), making him 25 years old as of the 2025‑26 season.

Zion Williamson: Physical and Contract Specifications

The pattern across all specifications is that Williamson’s value is tied directly to his availability on the court.

Specification Value Source
Height 6′ 6″ Forbes
Weight 284 lbs Forbes
Draft year 2019 SalarySwish
Draft pick 1st overall SalarySwish
2025‑26 salary $39,446,090 SalarySwish
Contract extension $197.23 million over 5 years SalarySwish
Games played (2024‑25) 30 The Athletic
Recent injury Grade 1 left hamstring strain USA Today

The catch: Williamson’s salary spikes in 2025-26, but his game count remains the metric that determines how much of that money the Pelicans actually get in return.

Timeline: Key events in Zion Williamson’s career

Five pivotal dates that frame Williamson’s financial and medical journey.

  • : Signs five-year rookie extension worth $197.23 million (SalarySwish)
  • : Pelicans fully guarantee his 2025‑26 salary (The Athletic)
  • : Diagnosed with grade 1 left hamstring strain (USA Today)
  • : Available against Denver after hamstring (Yahoo Sports)
  • : Right adductor injury, out at least three weeks (Sports Illustrated)
Bottom line: Each timeline point shows a cycle of high earnings followed by injury, forcing the Pelicans to constantly reassess their commitment.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Williamson signed a five-year rookie extension worth $197.23 million (SalarySwish)
  • He was diagnosed with a grade 1 left hamstring strain on Nov 4, 2025 (USA Today)
  • The Pelicans fully guaranteed his 2025‑26 salary on July 15, 2025 (The Athletic)
  • He has one daughter born in 2021 (Forbes)

What remains unclear

  • Exact net worth beyond the $45 million estimate
  • If a trade will materialize before the deadline
  • When Williamson will be fully cleared from the right adductor injury
  • Whether he will meet weigh‑in and games‑played benchmarks to unlock full salary guarantees

Quotes from the Pelicans organization and analysts

The Pelicans will fully guarantee Williamson’s 2025‑26 salary, per source.

— The Athletic (July 15, 2025)

Williamson was diagnosed with a grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be reevaluated in 7‑10 days.

— USA Today (Nov 4, 2025)

The pattern is clear: every injury update resets the narrative around Williamson’s durability. For the New Orleans Pelicans, the decision is equally clear: invest in a comprehensive health framework that goes beyond contract clauses, or risk losing their franchise cornerstone to what is becoming a cycle of recurring setbacks.

Related reading

Frequently asked questions

Is Zion Williamson a millionaire?

Yes, with a net worth estimated at $45 million (Forbes), Williamson is a millionaire many times over.

How many children does Zion Williamson have?

He has one daughter, born in 2021 (Forbes).

What NBA player has 14 children?

That distinction belongs to retired NBA player Calvin Murphy, who has fathered 14 children. It is unrelated to Williamson.

Who got the first $100 million contract in the NBA?

The first $100 million contract in NBA history was signed by Kevin Garnett with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1997.

Zion Williamson injury update recent news

As of early December 2025, Williamson is out with a right adductor injury and is expected to miss at least three weeks (Sports Illustrated).

Zion Williamson net worth 2025

Forbes estimates his net worth at $45 million (Forbes).

Zion Williamson contract details salary

His rookie extension is for $197.23 million over five years. For the 2025‑26 season, his salary is $39,446,090 (SalarySwish).