The Boston Celtics are considered unlikely to keep Grant Williams in restricted free agency, according to NBA insider Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.
As a restricted free agent, Williams can either re-sign with the Celtics or sign an offer sheet with another NBA team. Boston can match any offer sheet Williams signs as long as it comes within 48 hours.
The Celtics traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, which gives them depth in the frontcourt beyond Williams. Boston will presumably have a three-man rotation at center and power forward in Porzingis, Al Horford and Rob Williams, while they could also play Jayson Tatum as a small-ball four-man.
Williams was seeking a four-year, $54 million extension last year. He 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. The 24-year-old helped Boston win 57 games in the regular season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Grant Williams & Boston Celtics Updates
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games. Williams averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in the 2023 playoffs versus the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Williams had surgery on his left hand after the playoffs ended. The swingman hurt his hand in March and played through the injury. He’s expected to be ready for the start of the 2023-24 regular season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Grant Williams & Boston Celtics Updates
Over half a dozen teams are interested in acquiring Williams, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. It’s possible the Celtics could do a sign-and-trade deal involving the Tennessee product. Williams, who has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks, has career averages of 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
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