5 Grant Williams replacements that improve Celtics title odds in 2024

4. Saddiq Bey

Bey is not a free agent. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Hawks, and the 24-year-old is extension eligible. Bey will become a restricted free agent next summer if the two sides cannot agree on a new deal.

Payton Pritchard wants to be traded, and the Hawks wing could be a target in that deal. The Celtics guard is set to make just $4.0 million next season, so matching salary will be difficult for Boston. Atlanta has some wing depth, and they could be looking for a backup playmaker behind Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. If the Hawks are interested, the Celtics could solve two issues without having to spend any more money.

Bey would offer a bit more offensive punch to a Celtics squad that has lacked it in some of the biggest moments. Boston would need to improve his shot selection and establish a clear pecking order, but the 6’7 wing could fit right in and play a 25-minute per-game role.

Acquiring Saddiq Bey would likely just be a one-year move for the Boston Celtics, but locking him up on a team-friendly deal is still smart business. The 24-year-old will have trade value, especially if he shines next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.