Grizzlies send former lottery selection Ziaire Williams to the Nets

Williams is traded to the Nets via the Dallas Mavericks for Mamadi Diakite and the 2030 draft rights to Serbian Nemanja Dangubic, the 54th selection in the 2014 draft. The arrangement removes Williams' $6.1 million guaranteed contract for 2024-25, giving the Grizzlies more salary cap flexibility as they try to re-sign guard Luke Kennard.

Williams, 22, has had a limited role since being selected 10th overall in the 2021 draft out of Stanford, but he should receive more opportunities with the rebuilding Nets. Williams averaged 7.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 150 games for the Memphis Grizzlies in three seasons. Diakite, a 27-year-old depth player, debuted in the league in 2020-21 and has since played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks. He has $1.39 million guaranteed on his contract.