Duke basketball: Zion Williamson’s weight could cost him a lot of money

An interesting clause was placed into the contract of Duke basketball star Zion Williamson. 

The biggest conversation topic surrounding Duke basketball star Zion Williamson has been his weight and injury history and those stories are becoming prevalent once again.

Details of Williamson’s contract surfaced on Thursday night and the Pelicans could reduce the amount of guaranteed money the former Blue Devils is slated to get if he weight and body fat increases about 295 pounds, according to Christian Clark of NOLA.com.

The 6-foot-6 forward will have periodic weigh-ins throughout his contract.

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Zion Williamson signed a five-year, $193 million designated rookie max extension earlier this summer that could be worth up to $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team, win MVP, or becomes the Defensive Player of the Year next season.

The former Blue Devil did not play last season due to a broken foot suffered in the offseason and suffered multiple setbacks as he tried to ramp up his basketball activities throughout the year, but was cleared to return to the court with no restrictions in May.

Duke basketball star working on body for next season

Injuries have been the main focus of Zion Williamson’s career as he has only played in a total of 85 games through three seasons after being the No. 1 overall pick out of Duke in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Zion Williamson was listed at 285 pounds during his lone season in Durham and the New Orleans Pelicans have listed him at 284 pounds in each season with the team.

Multiple reports surfaced that Williamson reported to the team last fall over 300 pounds but recently he is working with a personal trainer and private chef to keep his weight and conditioning at optimum levels.

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Clauses in contracts have become popular this week as Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray had an “independent study” clause in his five-year, $230 million contract agreed to earlier this month.

The organization removed the clause after it was leaked to the public due to the backlash Murray and the Cardinals received.