Indiana Pacers in the mix for free agent forward Grant Williams, per multiple reports
According to multiple reports, the Indiana Pacers are a team to watch when it comes to free agent forward Grant Williams.
Williams, 24, just wrapped up his fourth season in the NBA. He averaged 8.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Boston Celtics this past season in 79 appearances. He nailed 39.5% of his threes and defended well.
His stocky frame and high-IQ make Williams a unique weapon. He isn't a creator or high-level scorer, but he makes a ton of positive plays and is a great shooter. He makes up for his lack of height by playing big and using his 236-pound frame.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported earlier this month that "the Pacers are expected to be one team in the mix for restricted free agent Grant Williams as well," citing that the blue and gold could be interested in many different forwards this summer.
The team has made it clear that they are targeting players at that position. "Everybody wants a four man that has length. That can guard multiple positions. That can shoot threes and make plays," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said early in the offseason.
Indiana has been searching for a player of that type for years. That motivation is part of why they picked Jarace Walker eighth overall in the NBA Draft last week. Four men who can impact the game on both ends are valuable.
Williams can be that. In the postseason, his minutes declined for Boston, and many questioned why. He shot 45% from deep in the most recent playoffs and averaged 5.1 points per game, but his playing time declined, including a few DNPs.
That lack of playing time, combined with the Cetlics increasing finances after the Kristaps Porzingis trade, has some wondering if Williams is available this summer. He is a restricted free agent, so Boston can match any contract he signs with another team. But it might be difficult for them to do so and continue to build a winner long-term, especially with an upcoming contract extension for Jaylen Brown.
After selecting Walker, Williams may be a less appealing option for the Pacers. It's hard to imagine those two players on the court at the same time unless one of them was playing at the center position, and Indiana has plenty of depth at that spot. Other moves would have to be made to make Williams an ideal fit in the Circle City.
But he's talented and young, and that might make him worth a pursuit. Brian Robb of MassLive reported that the Pacers are "A team to watch on the Williams front."
The Pacers have a ton of cap space, and they opened up even more by dealing Chris Duarte to the Sacramento Kings earlier today. They could be an active team on the free agent market, and a pursuit of Grant Williams could be part of their activity. Free agency officially begins at 6 p.m. Eastern Time today.
- Who are the Indiana Pacers free agents in 2023? CLICK HERE.
- Jarace Walker's high school program director breaks down the Pacers' lottery pick's growth. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Indiana Pacers wing Chris Duarte traded to Sacramento Kings. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers have talked with Atlanta Hawks about De'Andre Hunter trade, per multiple reports. CLICK HERE.
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