The Dallas Mavericks are acquiring restricted free agent Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Boston Celtics, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The San Antonio Spurs join the pact as relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Williams will ink a four-year, $53 million deal to join Dallas which will also absorb two future picks from the second round. Boston will gain two second-round selections in return. San Antonio, for its part, will meanwhile obtain Reggie Bullock and an unprotected pick from the Mavs in 2030.
The Mavs have been one of the closest suitors for Williams as the forward hit the market as a free agent after failed rookie extension negotiations with the C’s from last year.
Dallas benefits well from Williams’ three-point shooting and leadership. The current Vice President of the NBPA improved his long-range marks throughout the years in Boston as he shot 39.5 percent from treys out of 3.7 attempts last season. He also averaged a career-best 8.1 points and 4.6 boards in 79 games.
Williams, 24, fits well with the franchise’s timeline in superstar Luka Doncic. Possessing a rugged body, he can also be relied on in terms of physicality and versatility at the defensive end.
Bullock’s landing in San Antonio appears won’t necessarily get finalized by the Spurs given his age and tradable 2023-24 contract worth $10.4 million as a salary filler. But should he stay, the Spurs net a reliable wingman to surround Victor Wembanyama who tallied 7.2 points, 3.6 boards, and 38 percent efficiency from three last campaign.
Per Brian Robb of MassLive, the Celtics were able to create a $7 million trade player exception upon Williams’ departure. According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, Boston keeping the forward at the same amount he signed now will wallop them an additional $40 million in taxes. With the transaction made, the Celtics now have more flexibility toward their financial stand and future moves.
Williams adds up to the splendid offseason moves made by the Mavericks this year. The club retained Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell via three-year deals, inked Seth Curry and Dante Exum to contracts, landed Richaun Holmes via trade, and obtained Duke big man Derek Lively II in the draft board.
