The Charlotte Hornets are strongly considering signing Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams to an offer sheet, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Williams is a restricted free agent. He can sign an offer sheet with any team and then the Celtics would have 48 hours to match the deal.
The Celtics are unlikely to keep Williams, per Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. Boston traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, which gives the team depth in the frontcourt beyond Williams. The Celtics will likely have a three-man rotation at center and power forward in Porzingis, Al Horford and Rob Williams. They could also play Jayson Tatum as a small-ball four-man.
Williams was seeking a four-year, $54 million extension last year. He averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists for the Celtics this past season while shooting 45.4% from the floor, 39.5% from beyond the arc and 77.0% from the free-throw line in 79 games.
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games. Williams averaged 5.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in the 2023 playoffs versus the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Williams had surgery on his left hand after the playoffs ended. The swingman hurt his hand in March and played through the injury. He’s expected to be ready for the start of the 2023-24 regular season.
Over half a dozen teams are interested in acquiring Williams, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. It’s possible the Celtics could do a sign-and-trade deal involving the Tennessee product. Williams, who has been linked to the Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, has career averages of 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
The Hornets need a player like Williams, who impacts winning. Charlotte hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016.
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