Grizzlies analyst reveals 'real winner' of Ziaire Williams trade to Nets

Last week, the Memphis Grizzlies opted to move on from their 2021 lottery-selected wing, Ziaire Williams via trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

Though perhaps seen as a long-overdue move to some, others such as superstar Ja Morant seem to be admittedly saddened by the exchange, voicing on a social media post "this hurt ngl."

Of course, despite the emotional toll this deal may have on some of Williams' former Grizzlies teammates, to many, the trade was seen as a net positive that is bound to have several helpful after-effects stemming from it and, according to Joe Mullinax of Locked on Grizzlies, there appears to be one "real winner" coming away from the whole ordeal.

Grizzlies analyst pegs 'real winner' from Ziaire Williams trade

Taking into account the financial implications that were exchanged in the process, with Williams' $6.1 million guaranteed salary heading outbound for Mamadi Diakite's far less lucrative $2.27 million payday, the podcast host and Grizzlies analyst believes the primary beneficiary of the trade is Memphis' payroll and, in turn, potentially Luke Kennard.

"The real winner of this trade for Memphis is the fact that if they waive Diakite that gets them to about a $4.7 million saved and you look at the realities, after, I think it's something like $880,000 or something along those lines that are guaranteed to Diakite at some point... Luke Kennard is still not a member of the Grizzlies roster. With Ziaire gone and with Diakite on the roster, Memphis is something like $11 million-ish under the first apron. That matters... Team building, the ability to keep trade exceptions, the ability to mold and mix your roster, not being hard-capped in a certain apron or a certain place where you can't sign certain guys if they make a certain amount of money... They can re-sign Kennard to a two-year, $20-ish million deal, three-year, $30-ish million. Whatever the structure might be, they can re-sign Luke, stay under the apron, and be able to use full mid-level exceptions, they can be able to do all the things with their traded player exceptions. It gives them so much more flexibility to use, if they so choose, going into the season."

- Joe Mullinax

Since having the final year of his contract declined by the Grizzlies late last month, Kennard has been freely residing on the open market as an unrestricted free agent, though, by all accounts, the intention has always been for the two sides to come to terms on a new long-term pact that is mutually beneficial.

Now with the offloading of Ziaire Williams, Memphis has opened up even more cap space to allow them the opportunity to float a worthwhile offer in the veteran swingman's direction, which, to Mullinax, could be in the ball park of $20-$30 million over a couple of years.

Since landing with the organization mid-way through the 2022-23 campaign, Kennard has established himself as an integral part of the team's offensive strategy, as he has served as their primary floor-spacing weapon.

Over his nearly two-year tenure, the 28-year-old has posted impressive per-game averages of 11.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting at a highly efficient 47.5 percent from the floor and 48.3 percent from distance.

Following their tumultuous 27-55 2023-24 campaign, the Grizzlies are looking to have themselves a bounce-back season, and, along with a presumably healthy Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. re-entering the rotation, this team could only stand to benefit from retaining the services of their trusty three-point specialist.

Now, with this recent trade, they have their best chance to make the concept of re-signing Kennard a reality.