The future of Grant Williams was very much up in the air as the NBA offseason began, but as free agency wore on, it appeared the veteran forward, who was a restricted free agent, could have a chance to return to the Celtics after the early signings and trades.
That was not the case when all was said and done, as Williams became part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Mavericks.
The deal involving Williams was a three-team swap involving the Celtics, Mavericks and Spurs. Boston received multiple second-round picks, Dallas acquired Williams and San Antonio added Reggie Bullock and an unprotected pick swap with the Mavs in 2030, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Williams shared a parting message Saturday night, thanking the franchise and city where he spent the first four years of his NBA career, along with fans and former teammates.
To the Celtics, the city and my brothers: Thank you for your belief in me and support through all of our seasons of basketball and life. I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of this organization & will forever have love for the people that surrounded me in this experience💚☘️ pic.twitter.com/uBFPrmE4bX
— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) July 9, 2023
Williams received increased playing time this past season and is coming off a productive 2022-23 campaign, averaging 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and shooting 45.4% from the field last season. He also shot 41.1% and 39.5% from three-point range over the past two seasons with the Celtics, respectively.
