A former Celtics forward might be traded before the NBA trade deadline, despite only recently joining his new team. As reported by veteran NBA insider Marc Stein on Substack, the Mavericks have initiated exploratory discussions regarding a trade involving Grant Williams, the former Boston big man, and Bobby Portis, the center for the Bucks. It remains uncertain whether these talks will progress further. The Bucks have been actively seeking bench upgrades for some time, considering Portis and swingman Pat Connaughton as possible trade assets.
Williams was transferred to the Mavericks by the Celtics in a sign-and-trade transaction in July, which brought Boston two second-round picks and a traded player exception valued at just over $6 million. As part of this deal, Williams signed a four-year contract worth more than $53 million.
Initially, Williams performed well for the Mavericks in the first month of the season but has since seen a reduction in his playing time. He currently averages 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game, with a 37.3 percent success rate in three-point shooting over the year, although his recent performance in this area has declined.
The Bucks have been previously linked to Williams during past trade deadlines, with rumors circulating two years ago that they were entertaining offers for him. Although Milwaukee has limited trade assets, Portis stands out as a viable option, averaging 12.6 points per game off the bench, earning a reasonable $11.7 million this season, and being signed through the following year with a team option.
Adding Williams to the Bucks roster would offer them a more adaptable defensive choice for a big man under new coach Doc Rivers. However, it would be unexpected for Dallas to part ways with him just eight months into his new contract. A potential trade to Milwaukee would undoubtedly intensify the competition in a potential postseason series between the Celtics and the Bucks.
