3 Mavericks Who Won't Survive the 2024 Trade Deadline

2. Grant Williams

Speaking of offseason regrets, the signing of forward Grant Williams has been a major bust.

The former Boston Celtic was supposed to elevate the Mavs' lineup, providing a flexible frontcourt weapon who'd make life easier for Luka Doncic and bring an edge to this defense. Many were optimistic Williams was ready to take the next step as a player and take on a featured role, instead of playing sidekick to stars.

Yet, Williams' weaknesses have been on full display in starting-heavy role. He's averaging the exact same PPG as last season (8.1) despite playing more minutes per game, taking more field goal attempts per contest and already surpassing his career high for starts in a year.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee product has seen his RPG actually slip, going from 4.6 in 2022-23 to 3.5 in 2023-24. He's also shooting significantly worse from 3-point range since moving to Dallas, falling from 39.5% last campaign to 37.3% this season.

Consequently, it's no surprise the majority of pre-deadline rumors involve the Mavericks and some kind of wing talent. The likes of Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Washington and Kyle Kuzma all fit the scoring-minded archetype. Former Mav Dorian Finney-Smith has even been mentioned, so it's clear Dallas is missing a hard-nosed forward who can do the dirty work.

Like with Green, this is a chance for the Mavs to wipe their hands clean of a deal that may just continue to look worse as it ages. Dallas can sell teams on Williams simply not being a good fit, and some may not bat an eye considering how free-agent moves often don't pan out.

It's obvious Williams isn't what Doncic and co. need, so the Mavericks shouldn't wait around to rectify this situation.