The Minnesota Timberwolves are no doubt already looking forward to what moves they’ll consider making next summer. With a free agent class stacked with talent, there are a few players Minnesota will have their eye on no matter how the current season plays out.
Of course, how they perform over the next five-plus months will certainly have some bearing on how they want to approach roster moves in the offseason. However, some players are talented enough to draw many teams’ attention regardless of season outcome.
One of those players could be the Celtics’ Grant Williams. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported on Monday that Boston and Williams have been unable to come to terms on a contract extension, leaving the 23-year old wing to assess his options as his restricted free agency looms.
Grant Williams could be realistic option for Timberwolves
The report from Scotto indicated that the Boston Celtics were unwilling to offer Grant Williams more than $50 million over four years in a hypothetical new contract. He also noted that Williams would have accepted a deal that paid him a $14 million annual salary.
With deals of that size likely awaiting him in free agency, there’s a decent probability Grant ends up on a different team at the start of next season. This report comes as a bit of a surprise given Williams’ production on a winning team, but it’s understandable given all the valuable players Boston has to think about paying.
Meanwhile, Grant Williams is someone the Minnesota Timberwolves could look at giving a payday to. As a proven wing player who provides value on both ends of the floor, he’s an extremely attractive option. A deal in the $15 million annual range that he’ll likely command wouldn’t be too much of a back-breaker given what Williams brings to the table.
Williams is already a proven playoff performer
The appeal of Grant Williams is largely based in the fact that he’s proven he can perform on the biggest stage. A key part of the Celtics’ run to the NBA Finals in 2022, Williams is an effective 3-and-D player that was relied on to defend all-world offensive talents in the playoffs like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Adding an experienced but youthful piece like Williams to Minnesota’s roster could do wonders for them come playoff time. One of the biggest criticisms of the Timberwolves early on in this season has been their defense. Grant’s impact on that end would be substantial, and he would provide a significant boost to their wing depth.
In addition, the fact that he shot close to or above 40% from three in his last two full regular seasons should have Timberwolves fans begging for the team to extend a contract offer to Grant Williams next summer.