The motivation for the Boston Celtics’ sign-and-trade of top restricted free agent
The Dallas Mavericks are acquiring Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics via sign and trade in a three-team deal. The Celtics are acquiring two second-round picks and a second-round swap in the trade. In addition to the second-round picks, Boston will also be creating a $7 million traded player exception after Dallas is giving Williams a four-year, $54 million contract.
From Williams’ side, he ends up getting around the same exact deal he was asking for in last offseason’s extension talks with the Celtics at around $13.5 million per year, which is just above the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. It may seem a bit curious as to why the Celtics let Williams go for a seemingly reasonable price, but if you dive a little deeper you can see their motivations for doing it.
Had Boston signed Grant to a similar deal, they would be putting themselves above the “second apron” of the luxury tax, something that would give the Celtics harsh roster-building restrictions, assuming they keep Malcolm Brogdon. Brad Stevens and crew likely evaluated that as something not worth doing, especially when you consider the new three-big rotation of Kristaps Porzingis, Robert Williams III, and Al Horford. It is also important to consider the fact that Williams fell out of Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation late in the year. Given all these facts, it was hard to see the Celtics bringing back Williams and limiting their roster-building flexibility.
Grant Williams’ departure opens up opportunities for other Boston Celtics wings
With this deal, the Boston Celtics do not lose Williams for anything and continue to stockpile assets for a potential sizable move down the line. Look for Sam Hauser and free agent signing Oshae Brissett to soak up some of the minutes Williams leaves behind as well.
With Williams gone, Hauser could even be in line for a serious role in the playoffs as well. The roster is still incomplete, but the Celtics have plenty of time to round it out and most likely have several more moves up their sleeves.