Free agent forward Ziaire Williams is expected to return to the Brooklyn Nets on a two-year contract worth $12 million, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. The second year of the deal will be a team option.
Williams, 23, averaged 10 points and 4.3 rebounds in 63 games for the Nets during the 2024-25 NBA season. He started 45 of those contests while shooting 41.2% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc.
Brooklyn had declined to extend a qualifying offer to Williams, making him an unrestricted free agent. The move freed up $8.35 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season and allowed the Nets to increase their financial flexibility ahead of free agency.
Despite the decision, the organization remained interested in retaining the wing, who was acquired last summer from Memphis. Williams’ ability to contribute in a rebuilding rotation helped the Nets finish with a 26-56 record, placing 12th in the Eastern Conference.
Originally the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Grizzlies, the Stanford product has played four NBA seasons. His career averages include 8.3 points and 3.2 rebounds across 213 games.
Brooklyn recently used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Russian point guard Egor Demin, signaling the team’s ongoing roster reset. By opting not to match any offers, the Nets gave Williams the freedom to negotiate with other teams, but retained the option to re-sign him under the new deal.
