Pelicans' Griffin: Zion's contract discussions 'will be a challenge'

New Orleans Pelicans lead executive David Griffin slowed down the contract extension talk surrounding star Zion Williamson, saying the franchise is more focused on getting the former first overall pick back on the floor.

Williamson said he was eager to sign a long-term extension Friday, but Griffin remained coy on the upcoming negotiations.

"Obviously, that conversation is going to be one that will be a challenge," Griffin told NOLA.com's Christian Clark. "When it's time to have that, we'll have it. And right now, what we're focused on is him being healthy and (in) kind of elite condition to play basketball."

Williamson will become eligible for a maximum five-year, $186-million deal this summer, with his rookie contract expiring at the end of the 2022-23 season.

While a max extension seemed like a foregone conclusion following his All-Star sophomore campaign in 2020-21, Williamson missed the entirety of this past season due to injury.

He played in just 85 games over three seasons and only ever suited up with three of New Orleans' rotation pieces during the team's surprising run to the Western Conference's No. 8 seed.

When he's on the floor, though, the powerful athlete has career averages of 25.7 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting over 60% from the field.

Griffin said Williamson is "weeks away" from another round of medical imaging to examine his right foot. If the results are positive, the 21-year-old could make his return to the upstart Pelicans.

"Really, it's going to be about, 'Let's put him in the best position to succeed physically heading into next season,'" Griffin said. "And I think he's committed to that."