5 Biggest threats to sign Grant Williams away from Celtics in free agency
By Tyler Watts
2. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs are rumored to be interested in pairing Williams with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in hopes of fixing their porous defense. Dallas finished 25th in defensive rating last season, and it slipped further after trading for Kyrie. They desperately need a perimeter stopper, and they would love to have a 3-and-D option like Grant Williams.
The Mavericks have already discussed some sign-and-trade scenarios (subscription required) for the 6’6 forward, according to The Athletic’s Tim Cato. Dallas created room to use their full mid-level exception on draft night by flipping Davis Bertans and the tenth overall pick for 12, 24, and Richaun Holmes, but Boston would likely match at that figure. The only way the Mavs can offer more is if the Celtics are willing to do a sign-and-trade.
Would that interest Boston? It depends on what they get in return. Dallas has a 2027 first-round draft pick to offer and multiple role players that could help the Celtics in their quest for championship number 18. Signing with the Mavs would let Boston control the deal, which is advantage Celtics.
The team’s biggest threat has cap space and would put the Boston Celtics at risk of losing Grant Williams with nothing in return.