Is Celtics' Grant Williams Knicks' Obi Toppin Replacement?

The New York Knicks could turn to the division rival Boston Celtics' Grant Williams for filling the depth spot behind Julius Randle.

The New York Knicks have already been willing to bury the hatchet with Philadelphia as evidenced by their bevy of signings from Villanova University. 

Could they turn to another rival city to fill the newly-formed void behind Julius Randle?

The Obi Toppin saga is set to end this week, as a trade is in place to deal the eighth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft to the Indiana Pacers. While a significant load of drama has been lifted from the franchise ... at the cost of dealing a lottery pick for the paltry return of second-round picks ... the team is left with a void on the depth chart.

Two-time All-Star Julius Randle is all but due back for another season in Manhattan, but there's a void of meaningful experience behind him. Upcoming Summer League participant Isaiah Roby, signed on the last day of the 2022-23 regular season, is the current top option. Toppin's younger brother Jacob also remains behind in New York after signing a two-way contract after the NBA Draft. 

As the Knicks seek to fill the void, Jared Weiss of The Athletic hints that New York is sniffing around the situation around Boston Celtics depth star and restricted free agent Grant Williams. Weiss says that Boston is looking to resolve the Williams situation so they can turn their focus to a Jaylen Brown extension.

"The expectation with Williams has always been that a sign-and-trade or midlevel exception (MLE) would be the likely outcome. Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New York, and Washington are all still in the mix, according to league sources, with Williams eligible to sign an offer sheet on July 6. The Celtics have 24 hours to match once the sheet is signed."

Last season saw Williams post career-bests with 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds over 79 appearances (23 starts). He also partook in all 24 games of the Celtics' run to the 2022 NBA Finals, averaging 8.6 points and 3.8 rebounds. At 6-foot-6 and 236 lbs. and boasting four seasons of consistent contributions, Williams would be an upgrade for the Knicks' depth with Toppin gone.

Weiss declares that the Celtics want a first-round pick for Williams' services. The Knicks are well-armed with future draft capital but Weiss hints that dealing it away might not even be necessary.

"Boston has been seeking a first-round pick in return for Williams, according to league sources, though it’s rare for a sign-and-trade for a role player to yield that significant of a return."

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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