Proposed double sign-and-trade sends Boston Celtics ex-Big Ten star point guard for RFA

The Boston Celtics would land a former star point guard in the Big Ten, Ayo Dosunmu, from the Chicago Bulls for restricted free agent Grant Williams in a double sign-and-trade proposal from Heavy’s Josh Buckhalter.

With Chicago having brought back Coby White on a multi-year contract extension and signing Jevon Carter away from the Milwaukee Bucks for three years as well, there is no need for the Bulls to invest more long-term into the point guard spot — especially if Lonzo Ball does return for the start of the 2024-25 season after being ruled out for the upcoming season.

As for Williams, the addition of Kristaps Porzingis in a blockbuster trade for Marcus Smart and, in particular, the signing of Oshae Brissett make a return unlikely unless the Celtics can nab the restricted free agent for a deal at the midlevel exception rate. Robb floated the idea of Brissett being “conceivably” a replacement for Williams in the C’s frontcourt by MassLive’s Brian Robb.

“Brissett is still just 25 years old and has shown enough promise in Indiana to be a useful depth piece for certain matchups,” Robb prefaced before saying, “He is also conceivably a very low-cost Grant Williams replacement (and a far worse shooter) if the team loses him via free agency or a sign-and-trade.”

Ayo Dosunmu unnecessary addition to Boston Celtics unless Payton Pritchard is traded

Buckhalter offered a strong proposal here, assuming the double sign-and-trade doesn’t involve a similar salary for both players and that Dosunmu comes at a much cheaper rate, but the acquisition of the Illinois product isn’t necessary unless there’s a follow-up trade of Payton Pritchard.

The Pritchard front has been quiet since Smart was traded, and Malcolm Brogdon is the Celtics point guard currently being floated in trade rumors. Things could change but with the recent signing of Dalano Banton, it doesn’t appear as though Boston is in the market for this kind of scenario.