While NBA trades will always receive most of the attention, G League transactions are also worth analyzing.
Last Saturday, the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, cut ties with a 6-foot-5 former Houston Rockets guard via a trade to the Long Island Nets.
“The Long Island Nets have acquired the returning player rights to guard Nate Williams from the South Bay Lakers in exchange for the returning player rights to forward Drew Timme and a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Draft,” the Nets announced on X/Twitter.
After spending his first NBA campaign with the Portland Trail Blazers, Williams took his talents to Houston for the next leg of his journey. The Buffalo product averaged 3.1 points and 0.8 rebounds during his short stint with the Rockets, shooting 48.7% from the field and 31.5% from deep.
Before the start of the 2025-26 campaign, Williams inked a deal with the Lakers, hoping to play well enough to earn an opening-night roster spot.
Three days before the Lakers officially opened the season against the Golden State Warriors, the organization waived Williams while retaining his G League rights.
Could the Sag Harbor, New York native have developed into an impactful contributor for JJ Redick and the Lakers eventually?
Perhaps, but now Timme, a former Gonzaga frontcourt star, will get an opportunity to impress with the accomplished Western Conference franchise.
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