Grizzlies Send Ziaire Williams to Nets in Trade
The Memphis Grizzlies have traded former lottery pick Ziaire Williams to the Brooklyn Nets, the teams announced on Friday. In exchange for forward Mamadi Diakite and the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubić, the Grizzlies are sending Williams and a 2030 second-round pick via the Dallas Mavericks to the Nets.
Ziaire Williams’ Career with the Grizzlies
Williams, the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Stanford, has averaged 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 150 games over three seasons with the Grizzlies. The 22-year-old forward will earn $6.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract in 2024-25.
Financial Implications for the Grizzlies
The trade appears to be a cost-cutting move for the Grizzlies, who were looking to shed salary to stay under the luxury tax threshold. Moving Williams’ contract puts Memphis about $10 million under the luxury tax and $14 million under the first apron. This deal also creates space for the Grizzlies to potentially re-sign free-agent guard Luke Kennard.
Brooklyn Nets’ Perspective
For the Nets, acquiring Williams is a low-risk, high-reward move as they continue their rebuild following the Mikal Bridges trade. The 6’9″ forward will have an opportunity to showcase his potential in Brooklyn, which is entering a new era after trading away several key veterans.
Additional Players Involved
Diakite, a 27-year-old forward, has played for five different teams in his four-year NBA career, averaging 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 55 games. The Grizzlies also receive the draft rights to Dangubić, who was selected 54th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014 but has played overseas since then.
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