Zion Williamson Cleared To Play "Without Restrictions"

Well, better late than never. The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that recent imaging of Zion Williamson’s broken bone in his foot showed continued improvement. He's been cleared to play with no restrictions.

Update on Zion:

Recent imaging of Williamson’s right fifth metatarsal showed continued improvement.

Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions. pic.twitter.com/xZAtf9lyVn
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 26, 2022

Although this news comes a bit late for the New Orleans Pelicans and their 2021-22 season (in which Zion didn't play at all), the breakthrough comes in plenty of time for Williamson's upcoming contract extension.

Williamson is eligible for a five-year $186M rookie extension starting in July.

We outlined the different directions that the Pelicans can explore in their offseason article.https://t.co/rp4qTFrBOi https://t.co/HELFpAEQzU
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) May 26, 2022

As noted by ESPN's NBA front office Insider Bobby Marks, Zion is eligible for a 5-year, $186M rookie extension this summer. What the Pelicans have to weigh, is do they want to give that kind of a commitment to a player who's only been available for 37% of his team's games in his three years in the league.

Just recently, Williamson said, regarding an extension, that he "couldn't sign it fast enough." It takes two sides to sign a contract, however, and the Pels are not expected to offer a full 5-year deal. As team head honcho David Griffin said, "that conversation is going to be a challenge.”

At least one of his teammates, though, seems pretty hyped about Zion's return to health.