Will Grant Williams be on the Boston Celtics roster in October?
The Celtics forward is set to become a restricted free agent on June 30, but Boston could also offer him a contract extension that would keep him on the team for the next four seasons.
There is another option, however: the Celtics could give Williams his extension and then distribute him to another team via a sign and trade. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, it looks like that path is a real possibility.
“Sources say the Celtics are exploring ways to bolster the roster, whether it’s a sign and trade involving Grant Williams during free agency or something consolidating their plethora of guards,” recently writes O’Connor.
Which teams could have pursued Williams, either in restricted free agency or in the trade market? The Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers have previously been linked with the 24-year-old, and HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Sunday that the Dallas Mavericks are also interested in Williams.
If the Celtics are ready to part ways with Williams, a signing and a trade would be the best route for them to receive assets in return. The Magic and Pacers are just two of seven NBA teams expected to have cap space this summer, while the Mavs could free up cap space if they move on from Kyrie Irving and Christian Wood.
What Boston might order in exchange for Williams in a trade remains unclear. The 2019 first-round pick had a rocky fourth season, averaging a career-high 8.1 points per game while shooting 39.5% from 3-point range during the season. regular, but playing a reduced role in the playoffs, averaging just 17.7. minutes per game with five DNPs.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently told our Chris Forsberg that Williams could get a new contract worth around $48 million over four years, while Substack’s Marc Stein reported in February that Williams was looking up to $20 million per year. So there are a lot of moving parts in Williams’ market. But the possibility of Williams changing teams this summer is quite possible.