Sources reported on Wednesday that the Dallas Mavericks, in collaboration with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, are in the final stages of completing a four-year, $53 million contract with restricted free agent Grant Williams through a three-team sign-and-trade agreement.
As part of the deal, the San Antonio Spurs will acquire forward Reggie Bullock and an unprotected first-round pick swap in 2030 from the Dallas Mavericks. In return, both the Celtics, Williams’ previous team, and the Mavericks will receive two second-round picks, according to sources.
Adding the 24-year-old reserve player Grant Williams, who averaged 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds for the Celtics last season with a 39.5% 3-point shooting percentage on 3.7 attempts per game, provides the Dallas Mavericks with a young and versatile forward skilled in both defense and long-range shooting. Williams is expected to be an excellent complement to the star-studded backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Through the sign-and-trade acquisition of Williams, the Mavericks retain their full midlevel exception, allowing them the flexibility to sign another player in free agency potentially. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks have expressed interest in restricted free agent forward Matisse Thybulle of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Williams, who was selected as the 22nd pick in the 2019 NBA draft from the University of Tennessee, has played a crucial role in Boston’s recent postseason successes, with appearances in the NBA Finals and Eastern Conference finals for two consecutive seasons.
Although his playing time fluctuated under coach Joe Mazzulla this season, he reclaimed a significant role off the bench during the playoffs. He had a similar impact last year under Ime Udoka as Boston reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010.
Grant Williams trade to Mavs provides them with a decent 3-pointer shooter
Following their acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards and the departure of longtime player Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston decided to prioritize acquiring two second-round picks instead of matching a deal to retain Williams for the upcoming season. The Celtics, expected to be strong contenders in the Eastern Conference once again, opted to manage their salary commitments in the offseason.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Williams possesses a skill for converting open 3-point shots, making him an attractive option among restricted free agents, particularly for contending teams. ESPN’s Stats & Information research indicates that he has a career shooting percentage of 43% on corner 3-pointers, compared to 34% on other 3-point attempts. Additionally, he showcases versatility on the defensive end.
The Mavericks have high hopes that Williams will assume a similar role as they aim to rebound from their disappointing 11th-place finish in the Western Conference last season, which prevented them from qualifying for the play-in tournament.
Following the season’s conclusion, Williams underwent surgery on his non-shooting hand. However, the Celtics have stated that he is expected to recover for training camp fully.
The Mavericks have been active during the offseason, as they secured Irving with a three-year contract, executed two trades on draft night to obtain center Dereck Lively II and forward Olivier Maxence-Prosper in the first round, and added guard Seth Curry to their roster.
On the other hand, San Antonio ensured they met the salary floor by acquiring Bullock, a reliable 3-point shooter with a career shooting percentage of 38%. Additionally, the Spurs obtained a valuable future draft asset through the first-round swap.
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