Pelicans' Zion Williamson Nears $16.9M Salary Boost with Bucks Game

Williamson's contract incentives tied to games played could secure significant guaranteed money for 2026-27 season.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:39pm

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New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is one game away from triggering a $16.9 million (40%) guarantee on his 2026-27 salary if he plays against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. Williamson has already surpassed his total games played from last season and is in the midst of a 30-game streak without missing a contest. Reaching 41 games played this season would secure the substantial salary guarantee, with additional incentives for reaching 51 and 61 games played.

Why it matters

The Pelicans are currently 14th in the Western Conference standings, so Williamson's sustained availability and health is crucial for the franchise's long-term stability and financial commitment. This game against the Bucks represents an important checkpoint in Williamson's season, blending his on-court performance, injury history, and lucrative contract incentives.

The details

Williamson has appeared in 40 games so far this season and is one game away from reaching 41 games played. This would trigger a $16.9 million (40%) guarantee on his 2026-27 salary. He can also earn an additional $8.4 million (20%) guarantee by reaching 51 games played, and another incentive for 61 games played.

  • Williamson has appeared in 40 games this season.
  • Williamson is currently in the midst of a 30-game streak without missing a contest.
  • Williamson will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Zion Williamson

A 23-year-old power forward and franchise cornerstone for the New Orleans Pelicans, who was the 1st overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

New Orleans Pelicans

An NBA team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that currently sits 14th in the Western Conference standings.

Milwaukee Bucks

An NBA team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that Williamson and the Pelicans will be playing against on Friday.

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What they’re saying

“If Zion Williamson plays Friday against Milwaukee, it will be his 31st consecutive game without a miss for the Pelicans. Williamson appeared in 30 games total last season.”

— Marc Stein, The Stein Line

“Zion Williamson is also set to have $16.9 million (40 percent) of his 2026-27 salary guaranteed by suiting up for his 41st game of the season tomorrow. He'd get an additional $8.4 million (20 percent) if he plays in 51 games and another if he plays in 61 games.”

— Yossi Gozlan, The Third Apron

What’s next

If Zion Williamson plays against the Bucks on Friday, he will reach 41 games played this season, triggering a $16.9 million (40%) guarantee on his 2026-27 salary.

The takeaway

Zion Williamson's sustained availability and health this season has put him in position to secure significant guaranteed money for the 2026-27 season, providing stability and long-term clarity for the Pelicans franchise as they look to build around their young star.