The Memphis Grizzlies have traded forward Ziaire Williams to the Brooklyn Nets, the teams announced on Friday afternoon.
Williams, a former top 10 lottery pick from the 2021 NBA Draft will head to the Nets along with a 2030 second-round pick (via the Dallas Mavericks) in exchange for Mamadi Diakite and the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubic.
The trade provides Memphis with financial flexibility as it moves out the $6.1 million guaranteed on Williams’ contract. That additional salary cap space will be valuable to the club as the Grizzlies’ front office continues negotiations with guard Luke Kennard’s representatives.
The 22 year old forward has largely failed to live up to his 10th overall selection from the 2021 draft with the Grizzlies, but could see a larger role this coming season with the rebuilding Nets. After trading Mikel Bridges earlier this offseason to New York, many expect Brooklyn to tear down their roster in the lead up to the trade deadline. Picking up another future draft asset to take on Williams’ salary in the deal will also help in that regard as the club moves into the post Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden era.
Across 3 seasons with Memphis, Williams averaged 7.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest in 150 games.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old depth player, Diakite made his debut during the 2020-21 season and has split time between the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. He has $1.39 million guaranteed remaining on his deal, making him a relatively low risk acquisition for Memphis.
31 year old Nemanja Dangubic has yet to appear in an NBA game throughout his career, and is currently playing in Dubai.
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.