The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for the 2024-25 NBA season with a strong roster, having bolstered their lineup with several veteran players. However, even with most of their cap space exhausted, there remains room for an additional seasoned player through trade. One name that has emerged as a potential acquisition is Grant Williams.
In a proposal put forward by Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire on August 8, a trade between the 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets was suggested. The proposed deal would send Grant Williams to Philadelphia in exchange for KJ Martin.
Carlin highlighted the appeal of Williams for the Sixers, noting that he has a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.7% and could serve as a valuable veteran presence for a team aiming for immediate success. Williams, a five-year NBA veteran, spent four seasons with the Boston Celtics from 2019 to 2023, including a notable stint in the 2022 NBA Finals. Last season, Williams was split between the Dallas Mavericks and the Hornets, with a notably stronger performance in Charlotte.
During his 47 games with the Mavericks, Williams averaged 8.1 points per game, shooting 41.3% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. In contrast, his performance with the Hornets was more impressive, as he averaged nearly 14 points per game on 50.3% shooting from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc over 29 games.
However, trading for Williams would require more than just swapping Martin, who is set to earn $7.9 million for the 2024-25 season, against Williams’ $13 million salary. To balance the trade financially, additional contracts would need to be included.
Williams is in the second year of a four-year, $53 million contract. This financial consideration adds complexity to any trade talks, but the potential benefits could be significant for the Sixers.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks also suggested that the Sixers might pursue Williams in a July 19 article. Marks discussed the uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future with the Hornets and noted that with three years and $41 million remaining on his contract, Williams is a valuable asset for teams seeking a versatile stretch forward. Marks observed that Williams had restored much of his trade value through his recent performances, though his tenure with the Mavericks ended before their Finals run.
Despite a challenging season, Williams has demonstrated his capability in high-pressure situations. His role in helping the Celtics defeat the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals was particularly notable. Additionally, Williams was instrumental in Boston’s defense, contributing significantly to containing high-profile players like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo during the playoffs.
Williams’ defensive contributions were not solely his own but were part of a collective effort that proved effective. His ability to impact games on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset. Given the Sixers’ aspirations for a championship and their recent acquisition of strong defensive players, Williams could be a key addition. Furthermore, with his departure from the Celtics, Williams might have additional motivation to excel and prove his worth.
Considering the Sixers’ current cap situation, adding Williams could be a strategic move to enhance their roster. His blend of experience, defensive prowess, and offensive capability makes him an appealing target as the team looks to solidify its chances for the upcoming season.
