Dallas Mavericks finalize three-team trade to acquire Grant Williams

The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs.

According to The Athletic's Sham Charania, the Mavs have sent Reggie Bullock to the Spurs while receiving Grant Williams from the Celtics. The Mavs and Celtics will each receive two second-round picks in the deal. A 2030 first-round pick swap between Dallas and San Antonio is also included.

Williams signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Mavs as a part of the sign-and-trade.

Williams brings much-needed toughness and defensive versatility to the Mavericks. He can slot into either forward spot and play a small-ball center role. Williams may not have the height to defend typical centers or even power forwards, but he boasts a strong frame, weighing 240 pounds.

Williams has spent his entire career with Celtics after being drafted 22nd overall in 2019. He averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 79 appearances for the Celtics last season.

Although just 24 years old, Williams has already appeared in 61 playoff games for Boston. In 2022, Williams played a huge role for the Celtics as they made an NBA Finals appearance. He averaged 27.3 minutes, 8.6 points, and 1.5 threes per game while consistently defending at a high level.

Throughout the offseason, Dallas has repeatedly been mentioned as a likely destination for Williams, and they turned the rumors into a reality as they got the deal done.

As for the Spurs, they receive Reggie Bullock. Bullock only has one more season left on his contract and provides San Antonio with a plug-and-play wing capable of defending multiple positions and knocking down threes.

Boston is not receiving any players in the trade but will receive multiple second-rounders in exchange for Williams.

With Williams now in Dallas, he will likely start at power forward and potentially finish games at center, depending on the matchup. Let's take a look at the Mavs' roster with Williams.

Guards: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Josh Green, Jaden Hardy, Dante Exum, Mike Miles Jr. (two-way), McKinley Wight IV (two-way)

Wings: Grant Williams, Tim Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, A.J. Lawson (two-way)

Bigs: Dereck Lively II, Dwight Powell, Richaun Holmes, JaVale McGee

Slotting Grant Williams into the mix is huge, and Dallas' defense will look completely different if they can land Matisse Thybulle as well. We'll have you covered with all the free agency news surrounding the team, so stay tuned.