New Orleans Pelicans beat reporter Shamet Dua appeared on the latest episode of the HoopsHype podcast on Thursday, during which he discussed Zion Williamson's future prospects. According to Dua, Zion is expected to receive a three-year, $100 million contract extension this summer.

“I think Zion will get a contract extension,” Dua stated clearly on the show. “I think the management has placed all their bets on Zion. Joe Dumars has had some serious conversations with Zion since he took over, mainly about his professionalism, the team’s expectations of him personally, and whether he really wants to achieve the goals he has set for himself as a player. I have to admit that Zion has taken those words to heart.”

Zion's progress this season has been remarkable: to date, he has played 53 regular season games for the Pelicans, averaging 21.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 31.0 minutes per game, with a 59.0% field goal percentage and a 32.4% three-point percentage. Dua explained, "A lot of his transformation started last year when he began to really take his body and training seriously. They've worked extensively with Daniel Boof, who recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers, to get Zion into peak physical condition."

“They continued training this summer, and Zion also hired a new personal trainer – Chris Cripps. Zion has fully understood the effort required to become a top player and set a new record for consecutive appearances this season. He wants to stay in New Orleans and also hopes that the public's perception of him will change.”

Zion's current contract runs until 2022 and will continue until the end of the 2027/28 season. Theoretically, he is eligible to sign a three-year extension worth approximately $200 million. However, Dua believes the actual situation might be more conservative: "I would look at Julius Randle's extension—it was roughly three years and $100 million, with an annual salary between $30 million and $35 million. I think that's a good price for Zion."

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