Grant Williams Speaks on Free Agency, Trade to Mavs: 'I'm Part of the Family'
LAS VEGAS — The Dallas Mavericks acquired Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade with the Boston Celtics after he was seeking his next contract in restricted free agency. He landed a four-year, $54 million contract to join the Mavs and was moved in part of a three-team trade that also involved the San Antonio Spurs.
"A lot of waiting, but it's been great," Williams said of his free agency experience. "I know the team is a bunch of great guys. I got a bunch of guys at dinner, one of the nice first nights here in Vegas. The coaching staff has been amazing — great conversation, great dialogue. It's been very welcoming and I feel like I'm part of the family already."
With Williams being a restricted free agent, the Celtics had the option of matching any offer sheet he signed, which deters potential suitors and makes it challenging for the player to have control of their situation. He likened it to a waiting game.
"Very difficult," Williams said of restricted free agency. "Just because restricted free agency is terrible. I would say with unrestricted free agency, you have a good understanding of where you want to go and stuff like that. When it's restricted, you're pretty much in a waiting game.
"You want to make sure that you have the offers that are available to you," Williams explained further. "You understand where they are, but also you have to understand that even though those offers are available, you might get those and they may get matched. Or the team may be asking for something more than what necessarily other teams are willing to give, or may miss money there."
Even though it can be a stressful process, particularly as a restricted free agent, Williams enjoyed the overall process of learning where he'd play next. While teams' plans do change quickly, he ended up in a situation with the Mavs that he's ecstatic about heading into the upcoming season.
"I still think free agency's a little bit fun, but also a little bit nerve wracking because you want to know where you're going, you want to know what's happening," Williams said.
Looking ahead to his fit with the Mavs, Williams understands that catch-and-shoot will be of utmost importance alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The goal is to thrive from the attention they command. With two superstars, there will be no shortage of open looks along with the need for complementary players to do the dirty work on both offense and defense.
"For me it's just a matter of continuing to make those strides consistently shooting, making sure that's utmost importance for me because that's what's needed from the team with Luka, especially the, the attention that he brings and pulls, same with Kyrie," Williams said.
"Making sure that the commandment of role, whether that's on the defensive end by guarding best player every single night," Williams explained. "Or even on the offensive end, when those two aren't on the floor, being able to be a guy that can be a focal point the offense in a way of like, not necessarily isolation scoring, but by being able to really get the ball moving and get guys involved for good looks."
As someone who has already played 61 playoff games, Williams is comfortable being a leader in the Mavs' locker room. However, while he was a contributor to the Celtics' run to the NBA Finals in 2022, the team fell short. He is eager to learn from Kyrie Irving, who was instrumental in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 championship run.
"I definitely feel a little bit more comfortable speaking up and having a good dialogue, especially with this experience now," Williams said. "I definitely am still listening because like I said, unfortunately I've been to the NBA Finals, but we didn't win it. I have lot to learn from Kyrie and them. ... Being able to just have both the listening ear, but also being able to give perspective on where I've been and what I've accomplished."
Williams has attended multiple Mavs Summer League games and has gained a good look at the team's two first-round picks — Dereck Lively II and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Williams likes their energy and mentality, as well as their desire to do what it takes to help the team win above all else.
"They play with great energy. I'll say this by both of them," Williams said. "They're great human beings from conversation that we've had. The way they're the willing to listen, the way that they're really trying to get better. Not just for their own personal growth, but for the team's growth. It's something that you can admire, because with rookie, you never know what you'll get. Something that both of them will improve on is their build and grow into their bodies a little bit."
Williams sees impressive defensive attributes from Lively, but would like to see him stay vertical as opposed to clamping down with his arms committing fouls. As Lively adds weight to his frame, Williams sees a lot of potential to absorb contact.
"Dereck does a good job of staying vertical, but can do a better job of absorbing contact, not necessarily coming down with his arms," Williams said.
Prosper can continue to refine how he attacks the basket by utilizing a more controlled pace and going through his full progression. Williams is already impressed with how Prosper can convert open shots,
"For Omax, slowing the game down for himself," Williams said. "How paceful he plays, how downhill he drives, and understanding that making the right read and making one less dribble, making sure you get to the basket, finish your progression. Just understanding that within development program, he's taking open shots and knocking 'em down."
Williams has continued to attend Summer League games to support the Mavs and to share insight when he can to the young players he will be playing with in the regular season. He's encouraged by what he's seen so far.
"You encourage both of those guys to continue to improve and work on their games," Williams said. The 24-year-old versatile forward is poised to have a positive impact for the Mavs next season – not just one the court, but off it as well.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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