Zion Williamson flew back to the U.S. to attend the New Orleans Pelicans-Portland Trail Blazers game on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Williamson sat baseline next to new team executive vice president Joe Dumars and general manager Troy Weaver.

If the Pelicans had placed Williamson on waivers before Tuesday, they would’ve been on the hook for only a portion of his $39.4 million salary for the upcoming season. The final

Zion Williamson’s contract has been the topic of discussion since the details were made public. The Pelicans were afforded a number of protections over the duration of the deal, but Williamson retained the ability to guarantee his money through various avenues.