Ziaire Williams has done some great stuff during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies but there has recently been a growing assumption that the team was looking to part ways with him. On Friday afternoon, they made it official.
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Grizzlies are trading Williams and a 2030 second-round pick via the Dallas Mavericks to the Brooklyn Nets for Mamadi Diakite. Williams, who is still just 22 years old, was the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. That means that he could grow into a hugely important player for the Nets or any other team.
During his three seasons with the Grizzlies, Williams averaged 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 42.6% from the field. He has some undeniable skills but the Grizzlies weren’t able or willing to really develop them and help him turn into a bigger star.
Williams is set to become a free agent in the next offseason, which means the Nets will now have a whole year to work with him before deciding if they wish to keep him on board or ship him away.
The fact that Brooklyn also got a second-round pick in this deal is good news for them. During this offseason, the Nets have shown that they are entering a rebuilding phase and are trying to accumulate as many future draft picks as possible. With this trade, they get a raw, promising talent as well as another pick.
Williams gained a lot of fans during his time with the Grizzlies but things ultimately didn’t work out between him and the team. He might have a lot more luck in Brooklyn.