The Latest Intel on Grant Williams

If the Celtics keep Grant Williams, it will most likely cost them another key rotation player.

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Last summer, the Celtics and Grant Williams were unable to come to terms on an extension. Even without knowing how much more restrictive the new collective bargaining agreement would be for the NBA's top spenders, wanting to build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, plans that haven't changed, and having most of their rotation on multi-year deals meant the franchise had to be diligent about future spending and might regret missing an opportunity to save.

And the former Tennessee Volunteer was smart to bet on himself, knowing he could likely sign for the non-taxpayer mid-level exception this offseason. At that time, it carried an early projection of $11.4 million for the 2023-24 campaign. It's appreciably exceeded that, clocking in at $12.2 million.

So, even after a trying season outside the rotation for long stretches, including not playing in six of Boston's playoff games and logging four minutes or less in three others, Williams' decision has already paid off.

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And when he got his opportunities, including in the postseason, the fourth-year forward demonstrated his value.

He shot 45 percent from beyond the arc on 2.7 attempts in 17.7 minutes per playoff matchup and displayed his defensive versatility, cycling through assignments that included Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler.

While the latter ripped off nine points after the former Tennesse Volunteer provoked him in the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, propelling the Heat to victory, Williams defended him well. But the Miami forward wasn't missing, reinforcing why he's earned the nickname Playoff Jimmy.

Also, while it was best not to poke what had been a hibernating bear to that point, having someone who won't back down from opposing stars and is willing to inject a "dose of nasty," to quote Gregg Popovich, is a championship ingredient.

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Furthermore, the 2019 first-round pick averaged 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in the regular season, career highs. Williams also knocked down 39.5 percent of the 3.7 threes he hoisted.

So, even though not many teams lack cap space this summer, among the group that does, Sean Deveny of Heavy reports the Magic are interested in acquiring him. The same goes for the Pacers, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, and the Mavericks, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The Celtics could try to upgrade their roster by tendering a $6.2 million qualifying offer to Williams, making him a restricted free agent, then send him somewhere else in a sign-and-trade.

There's also the reality it only takes one team to come forward with an offer the organization deems too rich to match, potentially resulting in losing him for nothing or a minimal return.

However, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports the Celtics will most likely re-sign the North Carolina native.

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Per the team, Williams recently underwent surgery on his left hand. It announced he had a successful procedure to repair a tear of the radial collateral ligament of the third metacarpo-phalangeal joint on his non-shooting hand. But the expectation is he'll make a complete return to basketball activities in six-to-eight weeks.

From this vantage point, not only should Boston keep Williams in the only NBA home he's known, but there's a compelling case for inserting him into the starting lineup.

He's developed into a reliable three-point shooter who spaces the floor and is a versatile defender who's often rewarded them for trusting him in the playoffs against the likes of Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Butler.

He's also an underrated facilitator and an effective screener. And with Al Horford likely moving to a role off the bench, starting Grant Williams alongside Robert Williams is a way to stay big in the frontcourt.

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But if the former Tennessee Volunteer stays, Malcolm Brogdon's likely out. The Celtics could procrastinate, hoping that leaving their rotation intact while welcoming back Danilo Gallinari leads to Banner 18. But that would lead to going over the second apron of the new CBA, creating consequences that will get harsher for repeat offenders.

The franchise will want to avoid a scenario where Tatum and Brown are accounting for 70 percent of Boston's cap space in three years and, due to being over the second apron now, the franchise is even further limited in how it builds around its star duo.

As well as Brogdon played during the regular season, and for as much as the forearm strain that compromised him in the playoffs was an unlucky blow, prioritizing retaining Williams, who's younger, more durable, less expensive, and addresses a position the Celtics are thinner at, is the better option in this author's opinion.

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is owed $22.5 million for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns. If Boston trades him, here's a potential deal that sheds short-term salary, is affordable in the long term, and would provide better positional balance.

Parting with Brogdon, an unfortunate repercussion of the new collective bargaining agreement, could also lead to keeping Pritchard, helping the Celtics maintain quality depth in the backcourt while strengthening their frontcourt.

Further Reading

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

Juhann Begarin and Yam Madar Reportedly Won't Suit Up for Celtics at Summer League

Examining How the Bradley Beal Trade Impacts the Celtics

Celtics Continue to Strengthen Their Coaching Staff

The Latest Celtics Trade Chatter

Celtics' Danilo Gallinari Exercises Player Option for 2023-24 Season

Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”

Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Julian Strawther

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jordan Walsh