Ziaire Williams, the 6’9” forward for the Brooklyn Nets, has steadily risen through the ranks of the NBA since being drafted 10th overall in 2021. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Williams began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies before a 2024 trade to Brooklyn, where he’s carving out a larger role.
With a career earnings total nearing $20 million and endorsements like Herbalife Nutrition, Williams combines on-court potential with off-court marketability. This article breaks down his net worth, contract details, career milestones, and more.
Ziaire Williams’ Biography
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ziaire Williams Jr. |
Date of Birth | September 12, 2001 |
Age | 23 years old |
Education | Notre Dame High School, Sierra Canyon School, Stanford University (1 year) |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
Weight | 185 pounds (84 kg) |
Turned Pro | 2021 |
Net Worth | Estimated $20 million |
Salary (2024–25) | $6,133,005 |
Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
Social Media | N/A |
Early Career
Ziaire Williams was born on September 12, 2001, in Lancaster, California, to parents Ziaire Williams Sr. and Marquita Fields-Williams. Both parents served in the military—his father as a Marine Corps veteran and his mother in the Army and Air Force—which instilled discipline and resilience in him from a young age.
His basketball journey began at five years old, and by age eight, he was undergoing structured training under his father’s guidance, often waking up at 5:30 AM for drills. Williams initially attended Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles but transferred to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, for his junior and senior years. There, he joined a star-studded roster featuring Bronny James (son of LeBron James) and Zaire Wade (son of Dwyane Wade).
As a senior, he averaged 15.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, leading Sierra Canyon to a 22-4 record. His standout performances earned him McDonald’s All-American honors and recognition as the California Wooden Award Open Division High School Player of the Year. He also represented the U.S. at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece, winning a gold medal.
Ranked as a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 6 overall prospect in his class, Williams committed to Stanford University in April 2020, becoming the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. During his lone college season (2020–21), he made an immediate impact, scoring 19 points in his debut against Alabama.
Later that season, he recorded Stanford’s first triple-double since 2007 with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists against Washington. Despite inconsistent shooting (37.4% from the field), he averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 20 games, earning Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honorable mention.
Williams declared for the 2021 NBA Draft after one college season, aiming to leverage his versatility and 6’9” frame at the professional level. His early career—marked by high school stardom, international success, and a brief but impactful college stint—set the stage for his selection as the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Professional Career
Ziaire Williams entered the NBA in 2021 as the 10th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, but his draft rights were immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He signed a four-year, $19.9 million rookie-scale contract, fully guaranteed after Memphis exercised team options in 2023 and 2024.
His rookie season (2021–22) showed flashes of promise: Williams started 31 games, averaging 8.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. He played a role in Memphis’ playoff run, contributing 6.9 points per game in 10 postseason appearances, including a 14-point performance with four three-pointers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Golden State Warriors.
The 2022–23 season saw setbacks. Williams struggled with injuries and consistency, averaging just 5.7 points in 15.2 minutes over 37 games. His three-point shooting dipped to 25.8%, and he was briefly relegated to a bench role. However, the Grizzlies retained faith, picking up his third-year option.
In 2023–24, Williams regained some momentum, starting 15 games and posting career highs in rebounds (3.5 per game) and free-throw accuracy (82.7%). Despite improved playmaking (1.5 assists per game), his shooting efficiency remained uneven (39.7% FG), and Memphis traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2024 for future draft assets. With Brooklyn, Williams found renewed opportunity.
As of March 2025, he’s averaging 10.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 24.8 minutes per game—all career highs. His three-point shooting has climbed to 34.8%, and he’s developed into a versatile defender, often guarding opposing wings. The Nets have utilized his 6’8” frame in switch-heavy schemes, capitalizing on his ability to contest shots (0.4 blocks per game) and disrupt passing lanes (1.0 steals per game).
While his scoring efficiency (41.5% FG) still lags behind elite wings, Brooklyn’s developmental staff has prioritized refining his mid-range game and off-ball movement. Financially, Williams has earned nearly $20 million through his rookie contract, with $6.13 million coming in 2024–25. His career earnings trajectory reflects his evolving role: from $4.37 million as a rookie to over $6 million in his final contract year.
As a restricted free agent in 2025, Williams faces a pivotal offseason. Teams will weigh his athletic tools and defensive upside against inconsistent shooting and a career 42.2% field-goal percentage. For now, he remains a rotational piece for the Nets, blending untapped potential with the urgency to prove he belongs in the NBA’s long-term plans.
Ziaire Williams’ Net Worth Details
Ziaire Williams’ net worth is estimated to be $20 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ziaire Williams’ contract details stem from his rookie-scale deal signed in 2021 after being drafted 10th overall. The Memphis Grizzlies inked Williams to a four-year, $19,907,925 contract, fully guaranteed after the team exercised their options for the third and fourth years.
This contract structure is typical for first-round picks, providing financial security while allowing teams to retain control. The deal started at $4,036,680 for his rookie season and escalated annually, reaching $6,133,005 for the 2024-25 season.
Despite being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2024, Williams’ contract terms remained unchanged, as is standard practice for traded rookie-scale contracts. This deal positions Williams to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025, giving the Nets the right to match any offer sheet he might receive from other teams, provided they extend a qualifying offer.
Salary
Ziaire Williams’ salary has followed a steady upward trajectory since entering the NBA in 2021. As a first-round draft pick, his salary is governed by the NBA’s rookie scale for the 10th overall selection. In his rookie season (2021-22), Williams earned $4,036,680 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
His salary increased to $4,234,320 for the 2022-23 season, reflecting the built-in raises typical of rookie contracts. The 2023-24 season saw a more significant jump to $5,544,240 as the Grizzlies exercised their team option. For the current 2024-25 season, now with the Brooklyn Nets, Williams is earning $6,133,005, the highest annual salary of his rookie deal.
This represents a total increase of over $2 million from his first-year salary, showcasing the structured pay raises designed to reward developing players as they gain experience. It’s worth noting that while his team changed mid-contract, his salary remained consistent with the original terms, as is standard for traded rookie-scale contracts.
Career Earnings
Season | Team | Earnings |
---|---|---|
2021–22 | Memphis Grizzlies | $4,036,680 |
2022–23 | Memphis Grizzlies | $4,234,320 |
2023–24 | Memphis Grizzlies | $5,544,240 |
2024–25 | Brooklyn Nets | $6,133,005 |
Total | $19,948,245 |
Endorsements
Ziaire Williams’ primary endorsement partnership is with Herbalife Nutrition, a global nutrition company specializing in sports supplements. Since 2021, he has promoted their NSF-certified Herbalife24 product line, including the Rebuild Strength recovery shake. Williams trains at Herbalife’s IMPACT Basketball Center in Las Vegas, using their facilities to refine his skills while advocating for their NSF-tested supplements.
The partnership extends beyond personal use—he collaborates on community initiatives like free youth basketball clinics, emphasizing fitness and nutrition education. Herbalife’s sponsorship aligns with Williams’ focus on athletic performance and recovery, though no other major endorsement deals have been publicly disclosed.
NBA Career Stats
Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-22 | MEM | 62 | 31 | 21.7 | 8.1 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | .450 | .314 | .782 |
2022-23 | MEM | 37 | 4 | 15.2 | 5.7 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.2 | .429 | .258 | .773 |
2023-24 | MEM | 51 | 15 | 20.3 | 8.2 | 3.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | .397 | .307 | .827 |
2024-25 | BRK | 55 | 37 | 24.9 | 10.3 | 4.8 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | .416 | .347 | .824 |
Career | 205 | 87 | 21.0 | 8.3 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | .423 | .317 | .812 |
FAQs
1. Where was Ziaire Williams born?
Ziaire Williams was born in Lancaster, California, on September 12, 2001. His parents, Ziaire Williams Sr. (Marine Corps veteran) and Marquita Fields-Williams (Army and Air Force veteran), raised him with a strong emphasis on discipline. Lancaster is a city in the Antelope Valley region, known for its desert landscape and military connections.
2. When was Ziaire Williams drafted into the NBA?
Ziaire Williams was drafted 10th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans. His draft rights were immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he began his professional career. He signed a four-year, $19.9 million rookie-scale contract with Memphis before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in July 2024.
3. What is Ziaire Williams’ contract status?
Williams signed a four-year, $19.9 million rookie contract with the Grizzlies in 2021. The deal included team options for the third and fourth seasons, both exercised by Memphis. After his trade to Brooklyn in 2024, he entered the final year of this contract, earning $6.13 million. He will become a restricted free agent in 2025, allowing the Nets to match any external offers.
4. What colleges did Ziaire Williams attend?
Williams attended Stanford University for one season (2020–21) after graduating from Sierra Canyon School in California. At Stanford, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His standout performance included Stanford’s first triple-double since 2007 (12 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists vs. Washington).
5. What is Ziaire Williams’ net worth?
Ziaire Williams’ net worth is estimated at $20 million. This figure combines his NBA career earnings ($19.9 million from his rookie contract) and endorsement deals, including his partnership with Herbalife Nutrition. His salary progression rose from $4.03 million in 2021 to $6.13 million in 2024–25.
6. Who are Ziaire Williams’ parents?
Ziaire Williams’ parents are Ziaire Williams Sr., a Marine Corps veteran, and Marquita Fields-Williams, who served in the Army and Air Force. Their military background shaped his disciplined approach to basketball. Williams is their only child and credits their support for his early development in the sport.
7. What are Ziaire Williams’ NBA career statistics?
Williams averages 8.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game over 205 regular-season appearances. His best statistical season came in 2024–25 with Brooklyn, where he averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds. Playoff stats include 6.9 points per game during Memphis’ 2022 Western Conference Semifinals run.
8. Which NBA teams has Ziaire Williams played for?
Williams began his career with the Memphis Grizzlies (2021–2024) before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024. In Memphis, he appeared in 150 games, while with Brooklyn, he has become a rotational wing. His trade to Brooklyn marked a fresh start after inconsistent playing time in Memphis.
9. Does Ziaire Williams have endorsement deals?
Yes, Williams partners with Herbalife Nutrition, utilizing their NSF-certified sports supplements like Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength. He trains at their IMPACT Basketball Center and promotes their products. This endorsement aligns with his focus on fitness and recovery.
10. What role does Ziaire Williams play with the Brooklyn Nets?
Williams serves as a versatile wing for the Nets, contributing as a defender, three-point shooter (34.8% in 2024–25), and transition scorer. His 6’9” frame allows him to guard multiple positions, while his athleticism supports rim attack