All-Star Zion Williamson on extension with Pelicans: 'I couldn't sign it fast enough'

Thus far during a pro career that began back on the night of the 2019 NBA draft, New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward Zion Williamson has appeared in a total of just 85 regular-season games and, most recently, missed the entire 2021-22 campaign due to complications related to the surgery he needed to repair a fracture in his right foot last offseason. 

As Andrew Lopez explained for ESPN, Williamson will be eligible to put pen to paper on a five-year, $181 million max rookie extension with the Pelicans this summer, but there have been rumors and suggestions the 21-year-old would prefer to play in a different and bigger market, such as New York City or Los Angeles. Williamson spoke with media members on Friday and seemed to commit at least his short-term future to New Orleans. 

"Of course," Williamson responded when asked if he would sign the extension if it's offered to him a few months down the road. "I couldn't sign it fast enough."

Per ESPN stats, Williamson led the Pelicans for the 2020-21 season with 27.0 points per game and a player efficiency rating of 27.17. Without his services, New Orleans qualified for the postseason tournament this spring but was eliminated by the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.