Hornets Working Toward Grant Williams Homecoming

On Friday, as expected, the Celtics extended Grant Williams an $8.5 million qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent. But the most likely outcome is the former Tennessee Volunteer is playing elsewhere next season.

While Boston could match an offer sheet for him, should he change teams, Friday's move makes it possible to send him to his next destination in a sign-and-trade. The benefit of doing so might be creating a traded player exception, but it may get them a player or draft capital.

Williams is a winning player, capable of starting and finishing games, including in the playoffs.

He knocked down 41.1 percent of his 3.4 long-range attempts in 2021-22 and 39.5 percent of the 3.7 threes he hoisted last season. He's also a versatile front-court defender who's often rewarded the Celtics for trusting him against players like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old forward is an effective screener and underrated facilitator.

It's why multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring him. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, that includes the Hornets. Per Scotto, they're considering giving an offer sheet to Williams while also maintaining dialogue with forward PJ Washington, a restricted free agent of theirs.

Williams is from Charlotte, so a homecoming is likely an option he finds intriguing. A team with more cap space, like the Spurs, may also make a bid for his services, which is where the idea of a sign-and-trade, allowing the Hornets to bring the four-year veteran on board for more than the $12.4 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception in a move that benefits Boston could come into play.

As much as the Celtics would love to keep Williams, after signing Oshae Brissett, they're $5.4 million from the second apron, per Spotrac. That's before working out a deal with rookie Jordan Walsh.

Retaining Williams most likely means Malcolm Brogdon's traded. Even trading Jaylen Brown is unlikely to create a path to bringing back the former without pushing past the second apron.

Further Reading

Jordan Walsh Discusses His First Celtics' Practice, Summer League Goals, and a Grant Williams Anecdote

Celtics Sign Forward Oshae Brissett

Celtics Reportedly Interested in Signing Terence Davis

Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis Agree to 2-Year, $60 Million Extension

Kristaps Porzingis on Teaming with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown: 'I Think It Can Be a Great Combination'

Grant Williams Discusses Marcus Smart's Departure, Free Agency, and Recovery from Hand Surgery

Jordan Walsh Discusses Getting Drafted by Celtics, His Welcome to Boston

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18