Grade the Trade: Grizzlies swap Ziaire Williams for Nets center in new proposal
By Mark Nilon
![Jan 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams (8) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Jan 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Ziaire Williams (8) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2400,h_1350,x_0,y_81/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/227/01j2wjdkg5ftcge9bb46.jpg)
Three seasons may be all Ziaire Williams will end up spending out in Grind City, as recent rumblings have revealed that the Memphis Grizzlies are seriously considering the idea of moving on from their former lottery pick.
Per a recent report by The Athletic's Shams Charania, the ball club is actively "discussing deals" to move on from the 22-year-old wing following a rather underwhelming 2023-24 season plagued by injuries and on-court inconsistencies.
Memphis Grizzlies are 'discussing deals' to move Ziaire Williams
Since being selected 10 overall back in the 2021 NBA Draft, Williams has regularly failed to live up to expectations that come with being such a high-end pick.
Despite showing flashes at times throughout his tenure, from his sporadic jumper to the team's win-now mentality that, frankly, pushed developing the former Stanford standout toward the back burner, through this point in his career the once highly-touted talent has found his evolution as a baller plateau.
Should he remain in tow alongside fellow young wing/ forwards such as GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., Jaylen Wells, and Santi Aldama who are all pushing for playing time next season down in the frontcourt, his career trajectory is only bound to remain stagnant, or quite possibly even begin to plummet toward the dreaded irrelevancy status.
Fortunately for him, however, it appears the Grizzlies are interested in moving him before the start of 2023-24, which, in turn, could provide Williams with a fresh new start to show his worth.
Of the many teams who should be viewed as interesting fits for the soon-to-be fourth-year pro's services, the Brooklyn Nets are one that not only could help provide Williams with the minutes necessary for him to help him reach his full potential, but, also, construct a straightforward yet beneficial trade package that just might be enough to convince Zach Kleiman and co. to pull the trigger on their first meaningful transaction of the summer.