5 Biggest threats to sign Grant Williams away from Celtics in free agency

The Boston Celtics pulled off one of the most shocking trades of the offseason by dealing Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis and two first-round draft picks. Nobody saw it coming, but it allowed the franchise to change things up after making the conference finals five times in seven years, but failing to break through to win a championship. The Celtics took on KP’s $36 million contract, which could prove problematic in keeping Grant Williams.

The 24-year-old is a restricted free agent, so Boston can match any offer. Depending on the number, it could put them into the dreaded second tax apron and limit their movement going forward. The Celtics would prefer to avoid that, which could mean letting Williams walk this summer. The forward is unsure of his future as he enters free agency.

Expect Brad Stevens and the front office to explore sign-and-trade scenarios in hopes of getting some return. They could still bring him back if the offer is small enough, but it may not be. Who could steal the 6’6 forward away from Boston this summer?

Biggest threats to sign Grant Williams away from Boston Celtics in free agency

5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets enter the offseason with $64 million in cap space, which is the most in the league. They are rumored to be targeting Fred VanVleet, Brook Lopez, and Dillon Brooks, but what if those options fall through? Teams have to spend under the new CBA, so the Rockets need options.

The Celtics could match in the mid-level exception range of $12 million per season, but anything more than that will be difficult if they plan on keeping Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis long-term.

The Rockets could offer $15 to $20 million per season and make it impossible for the Celtics to keep Williams and stay under the second tax apron moving forward. Will they? Boston could lock him up quickly, but if Houston misses on other targets, they could circle back to the 6’6 forward and make a massive offer.