We all know it is a superstars league and despite barely playing, Zion is gonna get big money on his next contract. That said, he hasn't played much and he shouldnt just get the exact contract thrown down on the table as say Ja Morant or Luka Doncic has gotten/will get. For the risk the Pelicans are taking, it would seem only fair that Zion's side gives at least one thing back. Lets say they will let you have one thing, which would you prioritize?
1. No Player Option Year 5 - Similar to BI's contract, where it is a straight 5. No option either way.
2. No Trade Kicker - Most guys get a 15% trade kicker. And the team who trades the player has to absorb that, even if the player asks out. Makes the trade matching a little more difficult and could be a lot of money.
3. Injury Protection, leading to voidable years - Similar to Embiid, if he injuries very specific parts of his body and cannot play, the Pels can essentially just waive him (most likely voiding year 4 and 5)
4. No Rose Rule/Limited Rose Rule - As of right now, Zion's next max will start at 25% of the 2023-24 cap. However, if he makes All NBA next season, he can make up to 30% of the cap. I say up to because this is in the negotiated contract. Ja, for example, will have it say in his contract that he will make 30% if he qualifies. Luka did, etc. But you can write it to say that if he qualifies for Rose Rule, he starts at 26.5% or 27%, etc. Doesnt have to be 30%. Thats just the max if you qualify. Siakam, for instance, would have gotten 28% had he qualified for Rose Rule via 2nd team all NBA, 29% if he made first team All NBA, and 30% if he won MVP. Just the standard 25% if he didnt make All NBA or if he made 3rd team All NBA. You can get creative like that.
That's it.... You get one and one only. Which do you choose?