This Nets deal desperately deserves more attention

Brooklyn Nets v Dallas Mavericks
Brooklyn Nets v Dallas Mavericks | Sam Hodde/GettyImages

It is almost that time. The NBA free agency is set to officially open on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, and while everyone will be watching the big name fireworks the Brooklyn Nets just made a move that could quietly age like fine wine. According to Shams Charania,  the Nets and forward Ziaire Williams intend to agree on a two-year, $12 million deal, with the second year being a team option. Though the deal has not been finalized yet, both sides are aligned in their goal to keep Williams in Brooklyn as the team continues to shape its next chapter.

No brainer for Brooklyn

Personally, I think this is  a significant and smart decision for a Nets team still in transition. Williams is only 23 years old and has shown steady growth in his first season with Brooklyn. After three years of trying to properly develop in Memphis, the 2021 No. 10 overall pick had his best campaign in his young career averaging a career high 10 points, a career high 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game across 63 games. His shooting numbers of 41.2% from the field and 34.1% from three certainly do not jump off the page, but they reflect an efficient, complementary player who is steadily growing into his role.

Williams' first few seasons with the Grizzlies were marked by inconsistency, but Brooklyn offered him a fresh opportunity, and sometimes that is all a young player needs. Under first-year head coach Jordi Fernandez, Williams thrived in a more defined role, getting valuable minutes and responsibilities. The Nets’ decision to decline his $8.35 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent, left the door open for other teams to make a move. But instead of jumping ship, Williams and the Nets are on track to finalize a deal that keeps him in Brooklyn, where he can continue his development in a system that is working for him.

A low-risk, high-reward move.

The team option in the second year gives Brooklyn flexibility, while allowing Williams a chance to prove that his progress is no fluke. With his size, athleticism, and defensive versatility, he fits the mold of the type of young talent the Nets want to build around as they reshape their roster. He can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and contribute to the team’s overall growth without needing the spotlight. Time will tell how this contract ends up shaking out but one thing is for sure and that is if Williams continues to progress, this contract could end up looking like a steal for the Nets.