2 pros, 1 con to the Dallas Mavericks signing Grant Williams amid rumors

If the Dallas Mavericks want any hope of being in the championship race next season, they need to nail their decision-making this summer, whether it be in free agency or the trade market.

First and foremost, they need to bring back Kyrie Irving, who never got the chance to fully gel with the rest of the team once he joined the Mavericks at the trade deadline this past year.

Secondly, they need to make the right trade with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, as it is by far the best trade asset they have available to them this offseason.

And thirdly, they need to get free agency right. Adding top-notch depth around Luka Doncic and Irving will be crucial, and reports have begun leaking regarding who Dallas could target.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Mavericks have shown an interest in Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.

The Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers have also reportedly been interested in signing Williams this summer, as he is expected to have multiple suitors trying to pry him away from Boston.

Scotto also noted that Dallas has been interested in Sacramento Kings forward and former Maverick Harrison Barnes, showing their need for a forward in free agency.

In the case of Williams, Dallas would have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Celtics in order to bring him on board, but considering how messy Boston’s financial situation could get, it may be an idea worth looking into.

Here are two pros and one con to the Mavericks potentially signing Williams.

3. Pro: Defensive intensity

Throughout his final season with the Boston Celtics, Grant Williams somewhat fell out of favor with the fanbase, as his offensive game was a work in progress.

His three-point shooting remained consistent, but in his attempt to add more to his offensive game, he fumbled on a few occasions. But one thing that never wavered was his defensive intensity.

Williams is one of the toughest defenders in the league, always willing to give 100% of his energy on that side of the ball. That’s the type of player the Dallas Mavericks need on the roster.

Dallas’ defense was extremely underwhelming this past season as they missed the Play-In Tournament entirely, so adding high-level defenders to their core will be essential this summer.

At 6-foot-6, Williams is short for the power forward position, but he makes up for that with his elite-level strength. He’s able to stay on the perimeter and keep up with faster players, but he can also bang down low and body the likes of Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.

His defensive versatility and intensity would instantly make him a fan favorite of head coach Jason Kidd, and the Mavericks would benefit significantly from his presence on that end of the floor.

3. Con: Roster flexiblity

If and when the Dallas Mavericks re-sign Kyrie Irving, they will be sacrificing almost all of their financial flexibility this summer. It’s worth it to bring back the star point guard, but they won’t have much room to work with in free agency.

Grant Williams would be a great roster fit, but he’s going to demand a pretty penny on the open market, effectively shutting down other pathways for them to add in free agency outside of smaller deals.

By all accounts, Williams should be earning anywhere from $15 to $20 million on the open market, which would make him one of the highest-paid players on the Mavericks.

That’s fine for who he is as a player, especially considering he’s still only 24 years old, but it would restrict Dallas’ ability to add to the rest of the roster.

Plus, just to get Williams on the team, the Mavericks would have to ship out one of their rotational pieces to the Boston Celtics, as they would have to complete a sign-and-trade to get Williams.

In all likelihood, this would mean that one of Maxi Kleber, Tim Hardaway Jr., or Reggie Bullock would be gone, as the Celtics would have zero interest in taking on Davis Bertans’ massive contract in exchange for Williams.

So, not only would the Mavericks have to pay him, but they’d have to hurt their depth just to bring him aboard.

3. Con: Youth and leadership

Technically, this is combining two reasons into one, but they blend together in the sense that Grant Williams is still so young and is already such a great leader who could help the Dallas Mavericks.

Williams will turn 25 years old next season, and it will be his fifth year in the NBA. He still has a long career ahead of him and is constantly looking to add to his game on both ends of the court.

However, what’s most impressive about Williams is his leadership on and off the court, as he’s one of the more vocal players in the league - a trait that has been on full display throughout his time with the Boston Celtics.

Despite not being one of the top guys on the team, Williams’ vocal leadership is always presence. Whether he’s in the game or on the bench, Williams is always talking and trying to build up his teammates.

His high basketball IQ, especially on the defensive end, allows him to utilize his vocal nature to elevate his teammates and ensure quality defensive possessions.

Williams is also the First Vice President of the NBPA, never afraid to speak out and let his opinions be known. This trait translates well to the basketball court.

Considering the overall lack of youth on the Mavericks, and their need for a defensive identity, Williams makes a ton of sense as a target.