The NBA free agency period is just around the corner and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to several players in their effort to bolster their frontcourt. Needing a starting caliber forward in particular, popular names such as Kyle Kuzma, Cam Johnson, and Rui Hachimura have been tossed in the discussion about the Cavs’ offseason plans.
However, Chris Fedor also notes that Boston Celtics restricted free agent Grant Williams is a player that the Cavs “are monitoring.”
“Given that Grant Williams seemingly fell out of favor and Boston is staring down a tricky luxury-tax crunch, it’s possible the Celtics won’t be willing to match an offer sheet in the mid-to-high teens,” Fedor surmises. “The Cavs are monitoring the situation and Williams likely won’t have as many suitors as fellow restricted free agents [Miles] Bridges, [Cam] Johnson, Rui Hachimura or even P.J. Washington.”
Williams has been deployed as a defensive specialist throughout his Celtics tenure. However, Williams has surprised many by becoming a knockdown shooter, hitting 39.7 percent of his 3s over the past three seasons on 3.1 3-point attempts per game. Although there’s no sense that he’ll ever be more than what he currently is as a 3-and-D forward, that’s arguably exactly what Cleveland needs.
It’s also what could make Williams a more affordable option that the Cavs’ free agent alternatives.
Williams, a player that also allows not only Donovan Mitchell to get his shots but Darius Garland and Evan Mobley as well. The latter of whom has yet to get a chance to truly explore the full breadth of his offensive capabilities.