Big news emerges about Zion Williamson’s agent

Dec 17, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson may be a free agent — when it comes to his representation.

Williamson and his agents, CAA, have parted ways, according to The Athletic. Williamson had been with CAA since he was 19 years old. He signed a 5-year, $197 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans two years ago. However, the contract is contingent upon Williamson’s health.

The final three years of Williamson’s contract are not guaranteed because the forward has not met benchmarks related to games played. Not only does Williamson need to meet certain on-court thresholds for the guarantees to take effect — which he has failed to do — but his contract also has clauses related to his weight and physical condition.

Williamson has been out with a hamstring injury since Nov. 6. A report on Friday said he was not close to returning from the injury, and that he might be out beyond mid-December.

Williamson has only played in 6 games this season. The 24-year-old played in 70 regular-season games last season, which was the most of his career. He has twice played in fewer than 30 games in a season. He also missed an entire season due to a foot injury.

When healthy — which hasn’t been often enough for the New Orleans Pelicans — Williamson has averaged 24.6 points per game during his career. The Pelicans went 49-33 last season, which gave the franchise a glimpse of what could be when Williamson is available.