With Boston Celtics super-sub Grant Williams proving to be a valuable part of an elite team once again this season, it could now prove difficult for the team to re-sign this summer.
Grant Williams’ stats certainly don’t jump off the page at first glance, however, the 24-year-old is a player that is far more important than what his numbers displays. In an era of record three-point shooting by teams, and a need to guard world-class wing players, Williams is extremely valuable.
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That is why it is imperative for the Boston Celtics to re-sign the restricted free agent this summer. However, that may not be easy to do.
On Tuesday, long-time NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Williams could be looking for as much as $20 million annually starting next season. Since it is no guarantee he stays in Boston, Stein claims, “Various teams are monitoring the situation and curious about Williams’ future.”
Boston Celtics Grant Williams could be targeted by multiple teams in NBA free agency
The Boston Celtics already have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA. Investing $20 million annually into a reserve talent could be a tough pill to swallow. — even for a player like Williams. Especially after the team extended Al Horford’s contract last season and still has long-term hopes for center Robert Williams.
If the Celtics did not match an offer sheet this summer in NBA free agency, these are the four teams that could take Grant Williams away from Boston in the offseason.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have not been the same team this season after losing PJ Tucker in free agency in the summer. To pursue regaining the style of play that almost got them to the 2022 NBA Finals, the organization could sign a very similar and younger version of Tucker in Grant Williams. A player that would be a perfect fit in Miami.
Atlanta Hawks
It did not happen at the NBA trade deadline, but it seems like a virtual guarantee that the Atlanta Hawks will trade John Collins in the offseason. Williams would be a nice replacement at a cheaper rate, as well as bring needed defense and three-point shooting upgrades.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors surprisingly traded center James Wiseman for second-round draft picks at the deadline. All indications are that the move was to cut down on the team’s massive luxury tax debt. The Warriors are facing an eventual reckoning where they won’t be able to keep all their top players, and Draymond Green could be the next to go with him expected to opt out of his deal this summer.
Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams would offer the team a chance to quickly replace Green with a similar talent who is also a winner, a good fit in Golden State, and with a more cap-friendly contract.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers could also be another logical Grant Williams free-agent landing spot. It is no guarantee they re-sign Jerami Grant after trading for him last summer. He could be an interesting piece to bring more defense, along with trade acquisition Matisse Thybulle, and balance the elite-level offense they have with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simmons.