The free agency period begins tomorrow at 6:00 PM EST. Teams around the league will fail trying to make trades and get the right players. Last season, Grant Williams turned down a four-year, $50 million contract extension. He didn’t sign that deal and just today the Celtics made him a pre-season qualifying offer of $8.5 million. This makes Williams a restricted free agent this offseason.
For the Celtics last season, Grant Williams was a consistent player for the team. He played in 79 of the 82 matches and participated in 23 matches. Over the past two seasons, Williams’ accuracy from depth has increased his role on the Celtics’ roster.
By making him a restricted free agent, the Celtics are still showing they have an interest in Willaims for the long term. The Orlando Magic reported interest in Willaims this offseason. He could be a potential signing for a team trying to build their culture.
The Celtics have made a qualifying offer for Grant Williams, making him a restricted free agent, a league source said. @tweet
– Jared Weiss (JaredWeissNBA) June 29, 2023
Grant Williams is a restricted free agent for the Boston Celtics this offseason
If Williams is looking for a long-term deal, he should sign during the season. The Celtics offered him a four-year, $50 million deal which he turned down. If he stays with the Celtics next season, he’ll only make $8.5 million next season. Four million less than he could make if he signs a contract extension in the off-season.
Other reports about the league say that the two parties will try to renegotiate during the suspension period. However, both of them did not turn down the opportunity to sign and trade. With Boston just signing Kristaps Porzingis, Williams’ minutes will drop if he stays.
He played (25.9) minutes per game with the Celtics this past season. That number will drop to about 20 minutes or less with Porzingis in the squad now. The Celtics took Porzingis’ contract in a trade to Washington and they also have to pay Jaylen Brown. There may not be enough money to go around for the Celtics to pay Williams in the long run.