The Celtics management bid farewell to another key piece of their recent playoff runs a few weeks after dealing Marcus Smart.
In a three-team transaction that featured the San Antonio Spurs, Boston shipped forward Grant Williams to Dallas on Wednesday. Williams is expected to sign a four-year, $54 million contract with the Mavericks, marking the first large contract of the 2019 first-round pick’s early NBA career.
A few days after the trade was announced, Williams, 24, turned to Twitter to say goodbye to the Celtics franchise, his now-former teammates, and the city of Boston.
“To the Celtics, the city, and my brothers: Thank you for your belief in me and support throughout all of our seasons of basketball and life,” Williams said on Twitter Saturday night. “I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of this organization and will always be grateful to the people who surrounded me throughout this experience.”
Williams stated earlier this week that he is “excited” to join the Mavericks, who are led by great guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Former Celtics center Kendrick Perkins, who believes Boston would struggle to match Williams’ determination and grit, was less enthusiastic about the move.
Leave a Reply