The NBA's trade carousel keeps on spinning, and this time it's the Memphis Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets making headlines with their latest deal. The Grizzlies have decided to part ways with forward Ziaire Williams, sending him across the country to the Nets. As reported by ESPN, the trade package also includes a 2030 second-round draft pick.
The new addition to Brooklyn's roster comes as the Nets are looking to completely rebuild their lineup. Williams, the 10th overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft, has had a rocky start to his NBA career, with averages that haven't quite lived up to expectations. According to Sports Illustrated, he's posted an average of 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over his tenure with the Grizzlies, and the Nets are likely betting on the possibility that a change of scenery could unlock his potential.
In return for Williams, the Grizzlies will welcome Mamadi Diakite, a 27-year-old forward who's been something of a journeyman in the league, having played in just six games in the 2023-24 NBA season. Also thrown into the deal are the draft rights to Nemanja Dangubić, as noted by ESPN. Dangubić, selected in 2014 but yet to make his NBA debut, has been plying his trade in Dubai.
While Williams aims to rejuvenate his less-than-stellar performance so far, the Grizzlies also seem to be making a strategic financial play. The Commercial Appeal points out that Diakite's modest $1.2 million salary paves the way for Memphis to dodge the luxury tax bullet, potentially enabling them to entertain the idea of re-signing guard Luke Kennard on more favorable terms. Williams, on the other hand, was on the books for $6 million—quite the sum for a player struggling to crack the Grizzlies' rotation.
The trade has certainly set the stage for what the Nets hope will be a fruitful 2024-25 season. With Williams becoming a free agent after the upcoming season, Brooklyn has cleverly positioned itself to thoroughly evaluate him before deciding on his future with the team. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies seem squarely focused on tweaking their cap space to enhance the overall competitiveness of their squad. It's clear both teams have their eyes firmly set on making the pieces fit for the long run.
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