Zion Willimson’s Contract No Longer Guaranteed

The final three years of Zion Williamson’s contract are no longer guaranteed due to the amount of time that Williamson has missed due to injury. Because Williamson missed more than 22 games last season, he triggered a clause in his contract that converted his 2025-28 salary from guaranteed to non-guaranteed. The main consequence of this is that the Pelicans can now waive Williamson without financial penalties after the 2024/25 season. However, Williamson can earn back his guaranteed status by appearing in enough games and hitting specific weigh-in checkpoints.

This season, Williamson is averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists as the Pelicans have started 17-12 and currently hold the sixth seed in the West. However, Williamson has been hit with criticism on multiple occasions for seeming out of shape and having several poor performances. Williamson’s alleged ex, pornstar Moriah Mills, told Williamson to “get on the treadmill” and cut things like soda from his diet.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Claims Chefs Have Told Him Zion Williamson Will “Eat The Table”

Zion Williamson Cops To Poor IST Performance

One of the games for which Williamson has faced the most criticism is the Pelicans’ In-Season Tournament semifinal against the Lakers. “I got to be better. I got to be more aggressive, finding my shot. And I got to do more things to get my team going. I think I was too laid-back tonight, and I just can’t do that. And defensively I got to be better. I have a problem where I literally just try to hunt the best shot possible every time, but my teammates, they expect more from me. I expect more from myself. But I got to just trust my game. I just got to be more aggressive. I think if I’m more aggressive that energy will definitely carry over,” Williamson said after going 13/2/2 in the 44-point loss.

Shaq was especially critical of Williamson’s performance in the game. “Does not run hard — it’s not a diss, this is gonna be a lesson from one great big man to another guy that can be a great. Does not run hard. I had the same problem my first, second year — I thought I was running hard. Charles talks about this all the time, my talent’s gonna get me 20. When I start going to 20, 30, and 40, it’s because I started doing certain things. He doesn’t create easy points for himself. I saw a couple times when he had a couple times at the basket, he don’t seal, right? He doesn’t demand the ball … and he doesn’t have that look. He just doesn’t have that look. And he doesn’t rebound. He does not rebound,” Shaq said.

Read More: Zion Williamson Issues Response To Shaq & Charles Barkley

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Drake Kick Stream: Canadian Wants $1B Contract With Platform, Reacts To $0.20 Tip From Viewer

At this point in his career, there’s little that Drake has to cross off his bucket list or prove to anyone else. Still, as he moves into his late 30s, the Toronto native has made it known that retirement isn’t on the horizon for him anytime soon. Even if he doesn’t follow up For All The Dogs with another LP for a minute, Drake is at least providing entertainment in other ways. Recently, he’s taken up streaming in tandem with Kick, sometimes recruiting Lil Yachty to join him for fun nights of gambling and laughter.

This weekend, the “Nice For What” artist was rolling solo while going live online, sipping on a pink drink in the tropics. “This is about you more than it is about me,” he said while sitting outside enjoying his beverage by the pool. “F**k Drake for the night. That’s what she said,” the father of one quips in the clip below. “No, but honestly tho, thank you for the $0.20 tip. I appreciate that, it’ll go to a good cause,” he promised the loyal viewer with a straight face.

Read More: Drake & Camila Cabello Have A Turks & Caicos Getaway On Jet Skis, Spark Dating Rumors

Drake Hopes to Grow His Fortune on Kick

“We’re giving away [a million] tonight. I want you guys to get rich, I want you to feel rich. I hope you get blessed tonight. We got people calling in on FaceTime. This is really about blessing the people for the holidays. Happy holidays to you all, whatever you celebrate. Going into the new year, I hope I can put some money into yuh pockets,” the multi-talent told viewers.

Afterward, Drake impressed himself by successfully navigating through the stream, telling the platform he wants a billion-dollar deal from them. “I’m available,” he teased before taking a hit of his hookah. Would you like to see Champagne Papi spend more time streaming on Kick? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.

Read More: Drake & Lil Yachty’s Bromance Continues As Canadian Urges Kick To Sign His Collaborator

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Megan Thee Stallion Inks Distribution Deal With Warner Music Group: Report

Megan Thee Stallion has reportedly agreed on a distribution deal with Warner Music Group, according to Billboard. The move comes after she was able to reach a confidential settlement with her former label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, after years of legal disputes with the company.

Under the new contract, Megan will likely retain ownership of her masters, as is usual for deals of its kind. The more favorable deal represents increased leverage for Megan as she becomes a bigger artist.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Reveals That She Isn’t Interested In Signing To A Label

Megan Thee Stallion Attends GQ’s “Men Of The Year” Event

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2023 GQ Men of the Year at Bar Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Megan previously discussed her excitement about being an independent artist back in October on Instagram Live. “This part of my album is very much so funded by Megan because we’re trying to get off… Y’all know what’s the tea. But I have no label right now,” she said at the time. “And we’re doing everything funded straight out of Megan Thee Stallion’s pockets. So, the budget is coming from me. Motherf*cking Hot Girl Productions! The next sh*t y’all about to see is all straight from Megan’s brain and Megan Thee Stallion’s wallet. We are in my pockets, hotties, so let’s do our big one.

She added: “I’m so excited to be doing something for the first time independent since it was just me and my mama. So excited ’cause it’s really just me this go-round until we sign to a new label. But I don’t want to sign to a new label right now because I just want to do it myself… So hotties, do your f**king big one ’cause it’s just us.” While Megan hasn’t provided many updates in the time since, perhaps this new deal will spark the beginning of more news on her third studio album. Be on the lookout for further updates on new music from Megan on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Beyonce Thanks Megan Thee Stallion For Joining Houston Show, She Returns The Love

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Anthony Davis Signs Three-Year Extension With The Los Angeles Lakers

The Brow is staying in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future. Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN that Anthony Davis had signed a three-year extension with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $270 million. The contract, that keeps AD in LA through 2028 is the richest per-year contract in NBA history, coming in at $62 million a year. Davis entered the offseason with two years and $84 million left on his current contract. The new extension will trigger in 2025.

Injuries have plagued Davis’ last few seasons. He has failed to reach the 60-game milestone in the past three seasons, playing 56 games in 2022-23. Despite this, he remains a core part of the Lakers’ championship roster alongside LeBron James. In the 2022-23 season, Davis put up 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Davis has played in LA since a blockbuster brought him over from the Pelicans in 2019. “Couldn’t think more highly of Anthony Davis as a Laker and as a player,” GM Rob Pelinka said recently. “He’s helped deliver a championship to our franchise. He’s been an incredible captain and leader.”

Read More: Terrence Williams Receives 10-Year Prison Sentence For NBA Fraud Scheme

AD Preparing For Future Without LeBron?

Up until this point, Davis and LeBron had their contracts running concurrently after both signing extensions following their 2020 championship. However, Davis is now on the books until 2028 while LeBron has a player option in for the 2024-25 season. A number of other Lakers signings this offseason are also on contracts that expire in 2025. Could it be that the Lakers are preparing for a future without LeBron, be it due to retirement or other circumstances?

LeBron has made it very clear that he wants to play alongside his son Bronny before he leaves the NBA. Given that the Lakers likely won’t have a first-round pick in 2024, it’s unlikely that Bronny lands with the team. Of course, this is also dependent on Bronny’s recovery and future following his cardiac arrest last month. However, many experts believe that LeBron will decline his 2024-25 player option and sign with whichever drafts his son. As this is a well-known scenario, it could be that the Lakers are setting themselves up to retain at least one cornerstone veteran for the near future.

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Jalen Hurts Now Highest Paid Player In NFL History

Jalen Hurts doesn’t look to be leaving Philadelphia any time soon. It’s being reported that the Eagles QB has signed a five-year extension with the team. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the five-year deal is for $255 million. The deal makes Hurts the highest-paid player in NFL history. Also, Hurts’ latest contract includes $179.304 million in guaranteed money. The Eagles have now locked up their franchise QB and paid him handsomely in the process.

Hurts had a monster in 2022, leading the Eagles to the one seed in the NFC. Unfortunately for Hurts, the Eagles ran into the Kansas City Chiefs in the biggest game of the year. If anyone had a better season than Hurts, it would be Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. However, the Eagles have plenty to be happy about from the 2022 season. Hurts finished the 2022 regular season with over 3,700 yards passing and 22 touchdown passes. However, his ability to keep a play alive may be his strongest asset.

Jalen Hurts Earns Stout Contract Extension

The news of the Eagles and Hurts making a deal isn’t shocking to most. However, one has to wonder what Lamar Jackson may think of the deal. Jackson is still looking for a bigger payday. But the Ravens have not seemed interested in speaking with Jackson on a new deal. Yes, Jackson hasn’t been to a Super Bowl. But the former Louisville QB has been league MVP and the strongest link for the Baltimore Ravens. The news of Hurts’ contract may change those conversations in Baltimore.

The Eagles have their future set. The team has locked in their QB and surrounded him with a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball. It will be no surprise to anyone to see the Eagles be one of the top teams this upcoming season. However, now it is time for Hurts to live up to his hefty contract. Do you believe the Eagles made the right choice in signing Hurts long-term? What does his contract mean for future QBs that will hit the market? Give us your thoughts on Hurts’ contract in the comment section. For the latest NFL news, keep it right here at HNHH.

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Lamar Jackson Requested Ravens Aquire DeAndre Hopkins & OBJ: Report

Lamar Jackson reportedly told the Baltimore Ravens to acquire DeAndre Hopkins, and Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. According to Michael Lombardi, Jackson said that if they can get it done, “we can talk.” Lombardi discussed what he’s been hearing from sources inside the organization on his podcast, The Lombardi Line.

“I was told reliably by someone who’s involved, that Lamar told them ‘get Hopkins and get Beckham,’” he said on the show. The team has successfully acquired one of its targets in Beckham. As for Hopkins, Lombardi says the team feels they won’t be able to afford to bring in both star receivers.

Lamar Jackson With The Ravens In 2022

PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 11: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on during the national football league game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 11, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

When the team welcomed Beckham, last week, he made no indication that Jackson would be coming back as a result of the news. “Lamar, if you’re watching, I would love to get to work with you,” the former Super Bowl champion said with a smile. “The goal was to come here and have that possibility to play with him.”

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has said that the team is operating with Jackson still in their plans for 2023. “Lamar’s in our plans; we love Lamar,” DeCosta previously said. “Our feelings about Lamar have not changed one bit since the end of the season. We’re hopeful still that we’ll get a long-term deal done. He’s the right player for this team to lead us to where we want to be. I think the locker room knows that, the organization knows that. I think the fan base knows that. So it’s ongoing. But I can’t think of a situation where we wouldn’t think that our best team is with Lamar Jackson on the team in September.”

The deadline for Jackson to ink a long-term deal with the Ravens or another team is July 17. After that date, he will have to stay in Baltimore for one more season worth $32.416 million or sit out the entire year.

Lamar Jackson’s Status With The Ravens

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Jim Jones Says Jadakiss Missed Opportunity To Drop A Project After Their “Verzuz”

Jim Jones says that Jadakiss missed a “hell of an opportunity” to drop a project after The LOX went head-to-head with Dipset on Verzuz in August 2021. Speaking with AllHipHopTV during a new interview, Jones explained that anything Jadakiss could’ve put out would’ve gone platinum.

“‘Kiss reaped a lot of benefits from the Verzuz, man,” Jones said in the discussion. “I mean, we all do things different and shit like that, but he had a hell of an opportunity to do a lot. I wish that he would have dropped a project at that time because it didn’t even matter what he would have put out in that window of time that he had. He could’ve just took eight records he had in the stash and just put them bitches out, that bitch was going platinum.”

Jim Jones & Jadakiss On “Verzuz”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 03: Jadakiss of The Lox and Jim Jones of Dipset perform onstage during Verzuz: The Lox Vs Dipset at Madison Square Garden on August 03, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

From there, he added: “That was one thing I wish he would’ve did as me being a fan and me being a n***a in the industry. Like, ‘Yo, man, it’s a moment, he’s supposed to go. Next day, single out, everything. I’m in the studio right now with Swizz tonight, like n***a!’”

While he didn’t end up capitalizing on the moment to release new music, Jadakiss did put in work behind the scenes. Speaking to Complex in 2022, Jadakiss revealed that he used his leverage at the time to renegotiate his record contract with Def Jam. “My numbers went up for hostings and walkthroughs, for shows, and TV cameos,” he said at the time. “Just in general my numbers went up. It also showed Def Jam that they got to do the right thing [and] restructure my contract. It really showed the world my true worth, what I can do.” Last month, Jadakiss announced that he’s working on a new mixtape titled Kiss the South, but didn’t provide a release date.

Jim Jones On Jadakiss’ Missed Opportunity

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Logan Paul Renews WWE Contract

Logan Paul has been turning a lot of heads since his WWE debut. The YouTube star has been a welcomed surprise for the company in just a short time. While most celebrity appearances end up being a groan from the audience. However, Paul has proved to have the athletic ability to hold his own inside the squared circle. On Monday, the WWE announced the re-signing of Paul. Now fans are beginning to speculate when will be the next time they see Paul in the ring.

Paul’s last appearance with the company was at Wrestlemania 39. Wrestlemania is the biggest spectacle the WWE puts on every year. Although Paul didn’t come up victorious in his match with Seth Rollins. The social media star stole the night with an accidental ariel attack on his business partner KSI. The move was posted all over social media. Hence, KSI may have dressed as a PRIME energy drink during the contest. A moment that WWE and Paul fans will always remember for the pure insanity of it all.

Logan Paul Staying With WWE

The WWE has long been known for seeking entertainment stars to perform for the company. But not many have put on a better performance than Paul. Of course, you can put Mr. T and Mike Tyson on the list of incredible performers coming from outside the professional realm. However, nobody has proven their professional wrestling talents quicker than Paul. The WWE will not wait long to have him involved in another storyline. Although Paul may not feel the same.

Logan Paul’s stardom continues to grow from his WWE stint. While his brother Jake has become a star in the boxing ring. It seems as if Paul has found his footing in another athletic space. However, it could only be just a matter of time before both brothers share the WWE banner. Do you believe that we will see both Paul’s in the WWE soon? What are your thoughts on Logan’s recent performance with the WWE? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For more news on professional wrestling, keep it right here at HNHH.

Odell Beckham Jr. Agrees To 1-Year Deal With Baltimore Ravens

Odell Beckham Jr. has agreed to terms on a one-year deal to join the Baltimore Ravens for the 2023 NFL season. The deal is reportedly worth up to $18 million, with $15 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. After news of the deal broke, Beckham shared photos of his son in a Ravens jersey on Instagram.

It will be the first time Beckham competes for an NFL team since Super Bowl LVI when he played for the Los Angeles Rams. The three-time Pro Bowler suffered a torn ACL during the biggest game of his career and missed the entirety of the following season.

Odell Beckham Jr. At Super Bowl LVI

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Odell Beckham Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Rams holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

As for who will be throwing passes to Beckham, the team has yet to answer that question. Lamar Jackson recently confirmed that he already requested a trade from the organization, although finding a suitor has proved challenging. “As of March 2nd, I requested a trade from the Ravens organization for which the Ravens has not been interested in meeting my value, any and everyone that’s has met me or been around me know I love the game of football and my dream is to help a team win the super bowl,” Jackson wrote in a recent post on social media.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta previously said that he maintains hope the team will find an agreement with Jackson on a long-term contract. “We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens,” DeCosta said in a statement from March. “Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.” Jackson is also reportedly seeking one of the largest guaranteed contracts in NFL history.

Odell Beckham Jr.’s Son On IG

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Shannon Sharpe Reacts To OBJ Wanting $20 Million Per Year

Shannon Sharpe is someone who knows what it takes to be successful in the NFL. Overall, he was one of the best tight ends to ever do it. In fact, many credit him for changing the way the position is played. Moreover, he was able to win three Super Bowl titles, and he did so over a four-year span. He is simply a legend of the game, and when he speaks, football fans listen. Unfortunately, he cannot get his own co-host to listen, but we digress.

Now that NFL free agency is here, Sharpe is getting to talk about his bread and butter, which is football. This year, there has already been a ton of movement. Additionally, players like Odell Beckham Jr. are trying to get back on the field. In fact, OBJ recently held a workout in which 12 teams showed up. Clearly, there is some interest in the wide receiver. However, he is looking for a contract that would pay him a whopping $20 million per year. This figure has raised some eyebrows, including Sharpe’s.

Shannon Sharpe Speaks

In the clip above, Sharpe speaks on how this figure doesn’t really make much sense. Although Shannon Sharpe likes Odell, he believes the asking price is just too high. After all, Beckham Jr. has been through some injuries over these past few years. “He looked good, under control, but $20M for a guy who is coming off two ACL surgeries is asking an awful lot,” Sharpe said. In the past, it seemed like either the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, or Dallas Cowboys would sign him. However, there is no telling which team wants him right now. Overall, it is one of those big stories to continue following.

Now that OBJ has torn his ACL twice, there is no telling how he will be able to perform. That said, it is easy to see why some teams are reluctant to take the risk. Hopefully, however, we get to see Odell back on the field this season. He is fun to watch and certainly makes the game better. Let us know which team you want to see Odell sign with, in the comments down below.