The Memphis Grizzlies are loading up for the next NBA season. Before the Ja Morant controversy and subsequent injury, the Grizzlies were on the perfect track. A top-three seed finish and a strong showing in the Western Conference playoffs in back-to-back years had them moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, from there, the team fell apart.
Thanks to the Morant injury, last season was a complete wash, with the team ending up in the lottery with the 9th overall pick. However, going into the 2024-25 season, Memphis has one of the deepest rosters in basketball. Moreover, there aren’t any weaknesses for other teams to exploit. And they are hard at work to make sure they maintain their current core.
The Ziaire Williams trade is subtly brilliant for Memphis
As reports came in, the Memphis Grizzlies were trading Ziaire Williams and a second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, Mamadi Diakite and Serbian Nemanja Dangubic, a 2014 draft pick go to the Grizzlies. Dangubic has no NBA experience, while Diakite is virtually the same.
Although he has been a member of four rosters in four seasons, Diakite is a perpetual third-stringer known for his length and defense. However, the Memphis Grizzlies have become a hub for lengthy defenders to flourish. It remains to be seen whether they can exploit Mamadi in a similar manner. But as far as the Grizzlies are concerned, the trade solves a much bigger issue for them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Thanks to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Memphis was on the verge of a hefty salary bill. However, the trade removes Ziaire Williams’ guarantee from their books. Instead, it allows them to resign sharpshooter Luke Kennard to an extension. As one of the two pure shooters on the squad alongside Desmond Bane, Kennard is critical to Memphis’ success.
For Ziaire, it gives the former top-10 pick a fresh start. Since coming into the league, Williams hasn’t developed like many hoped from the one-time Stanford Cardinal. Instead, in 150 games for the Grizzlies, he stands at just 7.5 points per game. A gruesome injury during his sophomore season put a damper on his growth.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets Updates
As a result, with the now firmly rebuilding Nets, Ziaire gets an opportunity to find his footing in the league. Although, it does raise a curious case for the late lottery in the 2021 NBA Draft. Davion Mitchell, James Boughknight, Joshua Primo, Chris Duarte, Moses Moody, and now Williams have all not met the expectations placed upon them.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ depth
Memphis’ roster is deep and well-built. Whether it be driving, shooting, or defense, the team has talent for every necessity. In a returning Steven Adams, the team gets a solid interior rebounding presence as well. Further, with the drafting of odds-on Rookie of the Year favorite Zach Edey, the team has a clear mentor-mentee situation.
Similarly, the loss of Tyus Jones was a big blow to the bench. However, a shrewd trade for Marcus Smart and signing Derrick Rose was the perfect balm for that hole. Up and down the roster, the Grizzlies are overflowing with specialists and talents. It remains to be seen what a healthy, returning Ja looks like.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets Updates
With so much of his game relying on athleticism, it could take a while for him to ramp into form. But the roster is more than strong enough to make them immediately dangerous. The Wild Wild West is getting its bear back. The question remains: How far can Ja Morant take these Memphis Grizzlies?
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