Mavericks Signing Matisse Thybulle to Offer Sheet, Potentially Eliminating a Grant Williams' Suitor

If the Celtics want to keep Grant Williams, they'll most likely have to exceed the second apron or trade Malcolm Brogdon for less inbound salary.

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On Thursday, July 6, Celtics' restricted free agent forward Grant Williams is eligible to sign an offer sheet. If he does so, Boston has 24 hours to match it.

One of the teams weighing whether to extend an offer sheet to the former Tennessee Volunteer, the Mavericks, has gone in a different direction. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Dallas and Matisse Thybulle have reached an agreement he intends to sign once eligible to do so.

With a backcourt featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks prioritizing the better and more versatile defender over Williams seems like a more practical choice from this vantage point.

And with the Trail Blazers patiently working on a resolution to Damian Lillard's trade request, they could decide it's best not to match Dallas' offer sheet. Granted, at 26 and likely about to sign for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which starts at $12.4 million for the coming campaign, Portland could decide Thybulle fits whatever direction they'll pivot after parting with their face of the franchise.

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Regarding the Celtics' restricted free agent, as previously explored, the conundrum is as much as they'd like to keep Williams, doing so most likely means exceeding the second apron or trading Malcolm Brogdon for less inbound salary.

There's a case that Boston's better off pushing past the second apron this season, which, according to Spotrac, the team is $3.4 million below after signing Dalano Banton. Keep in mind that it's yet to ink rookie Jordan Walsh to a contract.

Perhaps after this season, even from basketball and durability standpoints, the Celtics would prefer moving forward with Williams than Brogdon.

Operating from the premise they sign Jaylen Brown to a five-year, $295 million veteran supermax extension that comes on their books starting in 2024-25, salary dumping Brogdon could allow them to dip below the second apron.

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The problem is Boston can justify having Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard as its point guards. But as a title-contending team, even that trio could use another reliable option.

Given its roster-building constraints as a team toeing the second apron, parting with the reigning Sixth Man of the Year in a salary dump would make it difficult for the franchise to acquire someone as reliable as a ball handler.

The Celtics' cap restraints and backcourt concerns could lead to Williams walking even for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

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Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports that along with the Mavericks, the Hawks, Hornets, Knicks, and Wizards are interested in the 24-year-old forward's services.

If Boston decides it's better off staying under the second apron this season, it could work out a sign-and-trade, at least creating a traded player exception and maybe acquiring draft capital or a player in exchange for Williams.

Further Reading

Marcus Smart Wants It Known There's No Beef Between Him and Jaylen Brown: 'We're Brothers'

Jayson Tatum Reportedly Recruiting Damian Lillard to Join Celtics

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Jordan Walsh Discusses His First Celtics' Practice, Summer League Goals, and a Grant Williams Anecdote

Celtics Sign Forward Oshae Brissett

Celtics Reportedly Interested in Signing Terence Davis

Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis Agree to 2-Year, $60 Million Extension

Kristaps Porzingis on Teaming with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown: 'I Think It Can Be a Great Combination'

Grant Williams Discusses Marcus Smart's Departure, Free Agency, and Recovery from Hand Surgery

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis