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3 Players Grizzlies must target in a Ziaire Williams trade

Should the Memphis Grizzlies ultimately trade Ziaire Williams this summer, there are a few players, in particular, they should look to acquire in exchange for his services.

By Mark Nilon

Nov 24, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles forward Ziaire Williams (8) shoots for three during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles forward Ziaire Williams (8) shoots for three during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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Robert Williams III

Unlike the Raptors, the Portland Trail Blazers almost certainly do not have a chance of actually playing meaningful basketball this coming season, meaning the rebuild is still very much alive out in Rose City.

Such a setting is a perfect fit for a player with untapped potential like Williams, and, should they be interested in acquiring his services, even if it costs low-end draft capital and another contract to make the finances work, the Grizzlies should have their eyes set on the likes of Robert Williams III in any type of transaction.

A player who, when healthy, has proven to be an elite rim protector and floor runner, Williams sadly finds himself coming off yet another injury-plagued season from his debut run with the Blazers, as he only suited up for a mere six contests.

Despite this, even in such limited action, the big man still showcased the brand of athleticism and high-end IQ that, not two years prior, had him finish ninth in the running for Most-Improved Player, seventh in Defensive Player of the Year, and as a selection for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

While to some the fact that he's only played a total of 41 regular season games over the last two seasons may be a reason to steer clear, for a team that already has the luxury of rostering an All-Star big in Jaren Jackson Jr. and a behemoth rookie center in Zach Edey like the Memphis Grizzlies do, it could be viewed as an opportunity to buy low on his immense upside.

Imagine having an uber athletic player who, during the previous three seasons coming into 2023-24, sported an insane 104 defensive rating and averaged 17.8 points, 16.9 rebounds (6.5 on the offensive glass), and a whopping 3.7 blocks per 100 possessions on 73.4 percent shooting serving as a reserve, change-of-pace pivot who can control the paint on both ends and keep up with the run-and-gun Ja Morant on fastbreak attempts.

While his injury history is far from ideal, especially for a team who more resembled a M.A.S.H unit rather than an NBA team last season, in exchange for a severely underwhelming former lottery pick at a position they now have numerous bodies at (GG Jackson, Vince Williams Jr., Marcus Smart, etc.), a deal involving him heading out to Grind City could prove to be well worth taking a shot on.

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