New Orleans Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin described Zion Williamson as a historic player, adding that offering Williamson a max contract is an “easy decision.”
“It’s not a big decision, it’s a pretty easy decision,” said Griffin during an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast. “The kid’s historically good when he plays … this is a max player.”
Williamson is eligible to sign a five-year, $181 million rookie extension this summer.
Griffin did add that the Pelicans would need to protect themselves in case of injury.
Williamson has played just 85 games over his first three seasons.
“What becomes significant as a team that’s a small-market team and as a team that can’t make mistakes in terms of injuries over time, you have to indemnify yourself in some way for that and that’s fine. But the decision of whether or not this is a max player is an easy one,” added Griffin.
Griffin also said that he believes Williamson is committed to the Pelicans.
Williamson expressed his desire to be with the Pelicans last month.
