Nets officially re-sign versatile forward

While the Nets didn’t provide any details on the contract besides referring to it as a “multiyear” arrangement, reporting on June 30 indicated that Williams would be signing a two-year, $12M deal, with a second-year team option.

For what it’s worth, Nets big man Day’Ron Sharpe reportedly agreed to the same terms, and when he officially re-signed last week, the total value of his contract was bumped slightly from $12M to $12.5M. It’s possible Brooklyn will do the same for Williams.

Ziaire Williams has showcased improved shooting, impressive versatility

A former No. 10 overall pick who was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade during the 2024 offseason, Williams averaged 10.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game across 63 outings (45 starts) for Brooklyn in 2024-25.

While his 34.1% three-point percentage wasn’t great for a wing, it was a noticeable step up from the 30.1% mark he posted in his first three NBA seasons, and he showed off impressive defensive versatility, even handling center duties in a pinch. The former Stanford standout came at No. 43 on our list of this summer’s top 50 free agents.

Assuming Williams’ first-year salary comes in around $6M, Brooklyn will still have just over $16M in cap space available after officially re-signing Williams, Sharpe and Cam Thomas. The team, which will also have the $8.8M room exception at its disposal once it uses up its room, could increase its cap space by waiving one or more players who have non-guaranteed salaries.

It’s also worth noting that a player who re-signs with his previous team on a one-year contract or a two-year deal that includes a second-year team option typically has the right to veto a trade during the following season. However, a player can agree to give up that right as part of the contract negotiation. I expect the Nets asked Williams to waive his trade veto rights, but we don’t have confirmation on that yet.