We’ve reached a point in the NBA offseason where league activity has slowed significantly. Most major transactions have already occurred, although some moves are still happening.
One team that has been particularly active this summer is the Brooklyn Nets. On Friday, they made another deal, acquiring former lottery pick Ziaire Williams from the Memphis Grizzlies. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies are trading forward Ziaire Williams and a 2030 second-round pick (via the Dallas Mavericks) to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for veteran forward Mamadi Diakite. Williams was the 10th pick in the 2021 draft.
While this trade may seem minor, it serves a purpose for both teams. We will evaluate how each team fared in the trade and analyze its significance from both the Nets and Grizzlies’ perspectives.
The New Orleans Pelicans initially selected Williams 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft before trading him to Memphis less than 10 days later. After three underwhelming seasons, the Grizzlies are essentially attaching an asset to offload his salary. However, they aren’t doing it without reason.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Grizzlies are moving Williams to create financial flexibility to re-sign sharpshooter Luke Kennard and avoid the luxury tax. Nonetheless, it doesn’t make parting ways with a player they heavily invested in any easier. Williams averaged 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 20.4 minutes per game in the 2023-24 season, with unimpressive shooting splits of .397/.307/.827. He turns 23 before next season, so there is still time for him to reach the potential that made him a highly-touted prospect. His combination of size and athleticism is intriguing, but he has yet to fully develop his game.
A change of scenery on a rebuilding Brooklyn team might revitalize Williams’ career, which seems to be what the Nets are betting on. They acquired him for Diakite, whom they received as a salary filler in the blockbuster trade that sent Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks.
Interestingly, the Nets not only acquired Williams but also gained draft equity in the form of a 2030 second-round pick. Brooklyn is accumulating valuable resources through trades, with Williams and the 2030 pick adding to their haul. Under contract for the next two years, the Nets have ample time to evaluate Williams and determine his fit in their long-term plans. Trading Diakite, whom they acquired roughly two weeks ago, for a no-risk, medium-reward player like Williams is worthwhile.
For Memphis, this trade signals their acceptance of Williams as a failed developmental project. Even if it allows the Grizzlies to retain Kennard, they likely would have preferred Williams to succeed.