According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Ziaire Williams and a 2030 second-rounder for the Brooklyn Nets’ Mamadi Diakite.

Memphis did this deal after falling out of love with him minutes-wise. Plus, it cleared his $6.1 million salary for the upcoming season. That’s great when you know it keeps them $14 million under the first apron. Only $1.39 million of Diakite’s contract is guaranteed.

Williams is a former tenth-overall pick from the 2021 draft class. The 22-year-old small forward averaged eight points, three rebounds, and one assist in 51 appearances for Memphis.

Diakite is from the 2020 draft class. He’s 27 years old and has played in 55 games in his career. He’s averaging three points and two rebounds in nine minutes per game.

Grizzlies To Explore Value Of Their 9th Pick

The Houston Rockets aren’t the only team exploring the value of their draft pick, as the Memphis Grizzlies will be asking teams what they’ll be willing to give up for the ninth overall pick.

In a weaker in years draft class, Memphis would rather get a veteran than another young player who would need to develop.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, general manager Zach Kleiman will consider trading the pick for a veteran player who can contribute nicely to their roster. While he wants to trade the pick, he “will look at everything.”

Judge Rules In Favor Of Ja Morant; It was Self-Defense

ESPN’s Baxter Holmes was the first to break this story Tuesday, as Ja Morant earned a big victory in his personal life on Monday.

It has been learned that a judge has deemed actions against the teenage boy, stemming from his lawsuit, in 2022 to be purely self-defense.

The Tennessee judge ruled Morant deserves the benefits of civil immunity after Morant had evidence of needing to strike first during a pickup gone wrong.

Joshua Holloway was the one to file the lawsuit, at the time being 17 years old, where he claimed the star attacked him. It was later found that Morant had a ball thrown at his face, Holloway was coming close to Morant, and Morant was trying to protect his life.

During the filing, Shelby County Circuit Judge Carol Chumney ruled the 24-year-old “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity” under Tennessee’s self-defense immunity statute. This is why the judge found him clear of any wrongdoings.

Since Morant has the ability to claim self-defense, Holloway must prove how Morant’s actions were not self-defense and not Morant proving how his actions were self-defense.