Mavericks’ Grant Williams addition is a big one in multiple ways

The Dallas Mavericks won big when they pulled off a sign-and-trade for Boston swingman, Grant Williams. The stoutly built wing was a restricted free agent they targeted after learning Bruce Brown was priced waaaaay out of their price range.

Williams, 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, is a little more PF than SF but he has defensive chops that can handle both roles. Labeled a 3-and-D player, Williams fits Dallas’ needs this summer. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at the 1 and 2, the Mavs knew they needed to find a young and versatile wing defender to help pick up the defensive slack. Williams is that man.

Grant Williams serves a vital role for the Mavericks and keeps other options alive for future moves.

Williams didn’t fit in Boston anymore. They tried unsuccessfully to re-sign him prior to last year but their top number was reportedly at $48 while Williams wanted $54 (the number he would eventually land with Dallas). They overloaded their roster with wings and bigs who were controllable pieces for the near future.

Boston’s decision to trade him in a sign-and-trade instead of just letting him leave was largely an effort in getting something for nothing. Smart move.

But the sign-and-trade nature actually helped the Mavericks in the process. They were able to unload Reggie Bullock’s contract and replace it with Williams, who’s roughly eight years younger. It also kept their mid-level exception untouched and available for use. This means they can still sign a starting free agent to round out the ranks on the wing (Plus they have more trade options remaining).

Over the past two seasons, Williams has averaged 40 percent from 3-point range which places him the top tier for the Mavs. Irving and Doncic are sure to create space for shooters in 2023-24, so getting shooter who can…well, shoot, is pretty important for Dallas.

Keep in mind, Dallas previously added one of the best shooters in the NBA with Seth Curry.

Grant Williams is a tough-noised big body defender whose strengths are team weaknesses. He adds what the Mavs need and that’s what make this signing so good.

Williams may not be a gold star signing to all teams, but for a team like the Mavericks, this is fantastic addition. At age 24 the needle is clearly pointed upwards even though Williams’ final season with the Celtics was dysfunctional, to say the least. He was lost in the rotation, and his play suffered. In Dallas, he will be a key piece and not someone who can get lost.

"The change of scenery has already invigorated Williams: “The ability to come to a great team like the Mavericks and compete at a high level and be involved to do things to show I can really pass and do more in the future, is really exciting for me.”"

Williams showed his ball-handling skills earlier in his career as well, so he gives Jason Kidd yet another option to use in certain scenarios. He’s a young player on the rise who’s embracing his new role in Dallas and filling a major need.

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With the NBA free agency deadline less than 24 hours, the Dallas Mavericks will have their work cut out for them, as they try to resign Kyrie Irving.

This was a great signing for the Mavericks.

• Published on 07/06/2023 at 16:01 PM
• Last updated at 07/06/2023 at 16:01 PM