Ziaire Williams

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Nets' decision to lock up Ziaire Williams at $6.3M annually over two years earns a C CVI, reflecting a cautious bet on upside that carries meaningful downside risk. Williams remains a tantalizing physical specimen with elite wingspan and defensive tools, but his offensive inconsistencies and inability to develop reliable three-point shooting make this deal feel like Brooklyn overpaid for potential rather than production. At 23, he's still young enough to take a developmental leap, yet the contract structure suggests the Nets view him as more than a project player — a serviceable starter designation that his career 35.8% field goal percentage doesn't fully support. The two-year commitment provides flexibility in Brooklyn's rebuild timeline while avoiding long-term salary cap damage, but $6.3M annually represents starter money for someone who's been more of a situational role player throughout his career. This feels like the kind of middle-ground contract that rarely ages well — too expensive if Williams plateaus at his current level, yet potentially team-friendly if he finally unlocks his considerable athletic gifts. The deal gives Brooklyn a tradeable asset with modest value, though Williams' inconsistent shooting profile limits his appeal to contending teams seeking reliable production.

Performance Analysis