According to sources, the Dallas Mavericks are in the final stages of completing a sign-and-trade deal involving restricted free agent Grant Williams. The contract is reported to be worth $53 million over four years. The three-team agreement includes the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.
In the trade, the San Antonio Spurs will receive forward Reggie Bullock from Dallas, along with an unprotected first-round pick swap in 2030. Both the Celtics and the Mavericks will receive two second-round picks. Additionally, the Celtics will acquire a $6.2 million trade exception.
Acquiring Grant Williams provides the Mavericks with a young and versatile forward who excels in three-point shooting and defense. He is expected to complement the star-studded backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
This sign-and-trade arrangement allows Dallas to retain their full midlevel exception, which provides them with flexibility to pursue other free agents. Reports suggest that the Mavericks are interested in restricted free agent Matisse Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Williams, a 24-year-old reserve, was a significant contributor to the Boston Celtics’ recent deep playoff runs, showcasing his ability to play a key role off the bench.
Although he faced some fluctuations in his playing time during the regular season, he regained prominence in the playoffs. Williams was a crucial part of the Celtics’ success in reaching the NBA Finals in 2020 and the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
By opting for the sign-and-trade deal, the Celtics chose to acquire draft assets rather than match a deal to retain Williams for the upcoming season. This decision was influenced by the team’s acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis and the desire to maintain financial flexibility.
Grant Williams, standing at 6-foot-6, is known for his proficiency in shooting open three-point shots, particularly from the corner.
He boasts a career 43% shooting percentage on corner threes, compared to 34% on other three-point attempts. Additionally, Williams is recognized for his defensive versatility.
The Dallas Mavericks, aiming to recover from their disappointing 11th-place finish in the Western Conference last season, have been proactive this offseason.
They re-signed Kyrie Irving, executed two trades on draft night to acquire Dereck Lively II and Olivier Maxence-Prosper in the first round, and signed Seth Curry.
On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs, by acquiring Reggie Bullock and the first-round pick swap, meet the salary floor requirement while also securing a potentially valuable future draft asset.
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