Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams becomes a restricted free agent on June 30 and one NBA writer believes the Dallas Mavericks should steal him from the Celtics.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report thinks the Mavericks could use Williams’ shooting skills.
“Dallas already landed a big man who can roll to the rim in Richaun Holmes on draft night (presumably with a trade exception it created earlier by trading Dāvis Bertāns),” Bailey wrote. “Now, the Mavs could use another big who can space the floor for Kyrie and Luka Dončić’s drives. Over the last three seasons, Williams has averaged 7.0 points and 1.2 threes, while shooting 39.7 percent from deep. And perhaps just as important, he’s shown a solid ability to defend centers and bigger wings.
“What could make this tricky is Boston’s ability to match any offer sheet the restricted free agent can sign. And if Dallas only offers something under that mid-level exception line (projected to be a starting salary under $12 million), the Celtics may have no choice but to match. The Mavs could eliminate that possibility by pursuing a sign-and-trade, something Boston may reportedly be interested in, but that would obviously mean Dallas sending something back.”
The Mavericks have spoken to the Celtics about a potential Williams sign-and-trade deal, according to Tim Cato of The Athletic. Williams and Dallas superstar Luka Doncic are both represented by WME Sports.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Grant Williams, Boston Celtics & Dallas Mavericks Updates
As a restricted free agent, Williams can either re-sign with the Celtics or sign an offer sheet with another team. Boston can match any offer sheet Williams signs as long as it comes within 48 hours.
Williams averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Celtics this past season while shooting 45.4% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free-throw line in 79 games.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Grant Williams, Boston Celtics & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks need more win-now players around Doncic and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving and Williams fits that bill. Dallas didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament in 2023 despite having Doncic and Irving.
The Celtics have gone 181-107 with Williams in the lineup since 2019-20. The swingman impacts winning at a high level.
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