If the Boston Celtic's goal is to have both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on supermax contracts, where does that leave Grant Williams?
After playing a key role in the Celtics' run to the NBA Finals in 2022, Grant Williams is set to become a restricted free agent on June 30. According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the completion of a Porzingis trade "would likely mean that Grant Williams's time in Boston has come to an end." Seeing as that deal is done, it's time to look at a few teams that could benefit from the 24-year-old forward's skill set.
Teams who need to throw an offer sheet at Grant Williams: 3. Indiana Pacers
As of July 1, the Indiana Pacers should have cap space to play with, and, depending on what they do with their cap holds, they could have even more. (According to Forbes, this number could be as high as $30 million)
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Indiana Pacers are expected to be 'in the mix' for Williams this summer. Grant Williams is only 24 years old, and Indiana is a young team looking to get back into the postseason. Basically, don't be surprised if the Pacers go after Grant Williams and force Boston into making a decision. Williams is a high-level defender that can switch and guard multiple positions.
It's going to come down to dollars and cents. Since Williams is a restricted free agent, this allows the Celtics to match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Obviously, Boston knows what Grant Williams provides, but, considering Boston's recent acquisitions, you can't please/pay everyone. The Pacers appear to be a serious potential suitor for Grant Williams as they could easily outspend Boston.
Teams who need to throw an offer sheet at Grant Williams: 2. Orlando Magic
An anonymous league executive told Heavy Sports' Sean Deveney that the forward would be a "perfect fit" on the Magic. Only eight teams are projected to have at least $20 million in cap space, which would likely allow those teams to sign Williams without having to move another player. The Orlando Magic are one of those eight teams.
With a talented young core including; Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz, Bol Bol, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac, Grant Williams fits in nicely. The Magic could use his experience, toughness, and 3-and-D versatility. At the end of the day, if you're the Magic, you can only be patient for so long…and Grant Williams is a great addition to a core that's only going to get better.
Teams who need to throw an offer sheet at Grant Williams: 1. Dallas Mavericks
The Athletic's Tim Cato recently reported that Boston had discussed a potential sign-and-trade for Williams with the Dallas Mavericks. Cato wrote:
"Dallas isn't interested in using its pick to acquire him, and the team might decide against an offer — something more than the mid-level exception — that would be large enough that Boston wouldn't match. But Williams makes plenty of sense in Dallas, and there may be other ways to complete that deal with Boston's help if Dallas decides to seriously pursue it."
This could be a situation that benefits both teams. The Mavericks lack depth and Grant Williams provides that. Plus, the Celtics don't really have room for Grant on their salary sheet, especially with Kristaps coming in and Jaylen Brown's extension looming.
In a draft night trade with the Thunder, the Mavericks added Dereck Lively II and shed the remaining $32 million on Bertans' contract. Now, they'll have the opportunity to add some win-now players. For the Mavericks, re-signing Irving and Doncic and surrounding them with complementary role players (like Williams) will be crucial.
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