7 Grant Williams replacements the Celtics could trade for right now
By Tyler Watts
3. Dorian Finney-Smith
Royce O’Neale is not the only wing that the Brooklyn Nets have discussed in trades, but this one is a tougher sell for the Boston Celtics. Finney-Smith is set to make $28.8 million over the next two seasons combined and has a $15.3 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. That is more annual money than Grant Williams got from the Mavericks.
Even if the Celtics swapped Malcolm Brogdon for Finney-Smith, they would be pushing against the second tax apron next season, assuming Jaylen Brown gets a max extension. That only makes sense if Boston views Doe-Doe as a significant upgrade over Grant Williams and Brogdon. Otherwise, they should have just re-signed the 24-year-old and tried to win a title in 2024.
Finney-Smith is a versatile defender that sinks open shots, and his numbers are nearly identical to Williams’ from last season. The difference is Grant is five years younger and slightly heavier. Finney-Smith does a better job defending on the perimeter, but Williams is the superior interior option.
Dorian Finney-Smith is available and proved he can be a difference-making option in the playoffs as Dallas advanced to the conference finals in 2022. His salary may not fit in Boston, but he remains an option as the Celtics look to upgrade on the wing.