The Dallas Mavericks have made waves in the NBA offseason, finalizing a three-team sign‑and‑trade that brings versatile forward Grant Williams from the Boston Celtics, with the San Antonio Spurs also involved in the swap.
🔄 Trade Breakdown
Mavericks receive: Grant Williams + two second‑round draft picks (from the Spurs)
Spurs receive: Reggie Bullock + unprotected 2030 first‑round pick swap
Celtics receive: two second‑round picks
To complete the deal, Dallas signed Williams to a fully guaranteed four‑year deal worth around $54 million via sign‑and‑trade
Why This Move Matters
3-and-D Upgrade
Williams brings elite perimeter defense and consistent floor‑spacing—he shot 39.5% from 3‑point range last season, averaging 8.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.7 APG in 79 games
Defensive Strengthening
After ranking near the bottom of the league in team defense, Dallas gets a forward capable of guarding multiple positions and elevating team toughness
Salary Cap Savvy
The sign‑and‑trade structure enabled Dallas to retain their full mid‑level exception (~$12.4 M), keeping flexibility for further roster moves
Player & Team Reactions
Grant Williams said he’s thrilled to join the Mavericks, calling the talent around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving “absurd.” He emphasized his eagerness to contribute energy, togetherness, and a strong team mentality
On the offensive end, Williams expressed hopes of being “empowered to play a little bit more of my game in Dallas,” citing opportunities for pick-and-pop and screening actions
Mavericks GM Nico Harrison praised Williams for his playoff experience and multi-faceted game, calling him a “terrific complement” to the existing core
Context & Outlook
Boston’s Perspective: The Celtics, with Kristaps Porziņģis now in the fold, created salary flexibility, receiving future assets in return
Spurs’ Gain: San Antonio adds veteran wing Reggie Bullock and a future swap, giving them short-term experience and future upside
Dallas’ Roster Vision: This move follows a busy offseason—re-signing Kyrie Irving, signing Seth Curry & Dante Exum, bringing in Richaun Holmes, drafting prospects like Dereck Lively and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and pursuing Matisse Thybulle. Williams fits seamlessly as a defensive anchor who can space the court alongside their stars
NBA
Final Take
The Mavericks’ acquisition of Grant Williams is a strategic, playoff-minded addition that addresses their defensive shortcomings, adds versatility, and maximizes roster flexibility. It underscores Dallas’ commitment to molding a championship-caliber support cast around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. With Williams stepping into a larger role, Dallas’ Western Conference title hopes are burni
ng brighter.
