An anonymous member of the Dallas Mavericks told NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac that Grant Williams will be their new Dorian Finney-Smith. The Mavericks acquired Williams from the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal.
Dallas traded Finney-Smith to the Brooklyn Nets last season in the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade.
“Grant is going to help replace what we lost in Dorian Finney-Smith,” the anonymous member of the Mavericks said. “He can shoot and defend, and we need guys like that. We’re also excited about his ability as a passer too. That’s something our other bigs don’t really do, so it adds a new dimension to our offense.”
Williams signed a four-year, $54 million contract as part of the sign-and-trade deal. He is expected to net approximately $4-5 million more by signing with the Mavericks than if he signed the same deal with the Celtics due to state income taxes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Grant Williams & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Williams averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Celtics last 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 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Grant Williams & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks needed more win-now players around Irving and Luka Doncic and Williams fits that bill. The Celtics went 181-107 with Williams in the lineup.
“The talent on this team is absurd,” Williams told Jared Weiss of The Athletic. “Kyrie and Luka, being able to put two superstars of that nature, two top 10 players or whatever you want to say, Kyrie is one of the best point guards in the league still. As well as those young guys they have to grow and compete like (Olivier-Maxence Prosper), they drafted Dereck Lively. The Seth Currys, the vets in the world, they’re really talented.”
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