Straightforward sign-and-trade path for Boston Celtics restricted free agent ‘may not exist’

A straightforward path to a sign-and-trade for restricted Boston Celtics free agent Grant Williams “may not exist” according to Dallas Basketball’s Grant Afseth — mainly due to the financial inflexibility Boston now has with Kristaps Porzingis’ extension, the supermax’s due for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, and the aggregate $60+ annually to Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White, Al Horford, and Robert Williams.

“If Williams chooses to sign an offer sheet as a restricted free agent, the Celtics will have 48 hours to decide if they choose to match it,” Afseth prefaced before saying, “Given Boston’s challenging financial parameters, a straightforward path for a sign-and-trade may not exist for a suitor without financial flexibility or assets to shed salary to a salary cap space team.”

Williams could end up being a total loss in restricted free agency, but the Celtics have done well to supplant their depth in the frontcourt with the signing of Oshae Brissett and the drafting of Jordan Walsh in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Grant Williams could be signed away from the Boston Celtics by the Hornets

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Charlotte Hornets could be a threat to steal Williams away from the Boston Celtics this offseason, though he also noted that they could retain a player with a similar skillset already playing in the Queen City, P.J. Washington, instead.

“The Hornets are strongly considering an offer sheet to Celtics restricted free agent Grant Williams, sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto prefaced before saying, “Williams has also received interest from the Mavericks. Charlotte is also in discussions with its restricted free agent PJ Washington on a possible deal.”

Charlotte made waves already this offseason by signing LaMelo Ball to a five-year, $260 million contract. The Hornets have Miles Bridges, Washington, and Theo Maledon’s free agency situations to sort out, but it’s certainly conceivable that the franchise could look to shake things up and bring on the longtime Charlotte native growing up.