Celtics forward Grant Williams was one of the 13 players eligible for a rookie scale extension who didn’t sign a new deal before Monday’s deadline. Speaking to Jay King of The Athletic, Williams said it would’ve been nice to lock in some long-term security, but that he and the C’s ultimately couldn’t find common ground.
“I wasn’t moving off of what I wanted,” Williams said. “And I don’t think they were either.”
Multiple reports leading up to the extension deadline indicated that a new deal for Williams was unlikely. He was believed to be seeking a long-term commitment in the range of $14-16MM per year, while the Celtics were unwilling to go that high.
Although the two sides couldn’t work anything out, Williams said he has no hard feelings about how the negotiations played out and hopes to remain in Boston going forward, adding that he’s “thankful for the opportunity” the club has given him.
Interestingly, Williams – who is a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association – said one important factor in his decision was that he felt a responsibility not to take a below-market contract that could hurt his fellow players in their own negotiations.
“When you look across the league, when you look at the role that I play in the Players’ Association, the idea is that you understand where the league is going in the future and you understand where the league is currently at,” Williams told King. “So for me it wasn’t a matter of life-changing money, it was a matter of value not only for this year but the years to come.
“I think that for both sides, we all negotiated to get to that point. And there was no ill will, there were no frustrations. It was one of those things that you just couldn’t come to terms. It doesn’t mean that a deal doesn’t get done next year, it doesn’t mean a deal won’t get done in the future.
“So for us, it’s just a matter of perspective. Like, I want to make sure that not only the deal that I take is something that I feel confident about, but it’s something that it doesn’t mess up the guys around me, it doesn’t mess up the market for the guys who do the things that I do.”
Williams will be eligible for restricted free agency next summer, at which time the Celtics will have the ability to match any offers he receives from other teams, assuming they issue him a qualifying offer.
What this dude talking about value for? Brandon Clarke got $13m and he is twice as good as him. Grant worth $10m at best and that is being generous.
Clarke market value is $80 million next summer
Celtics should not compare to Clarke contract
For Johnson, The only contract Suns should not compare is Bridges
It’s market value
Clarke’s just signed a 4year/52m extension. Celtics def should compare that contract cause they both in the league the same year and play the same position
They play different roles on different teams with different game plans in different conferences and they have different skill sets. You’re right in that Grant Williams hasn’t consistently shown enough to be worth a large deal, but I believe he’ll get there and that waiting until he’s an RFA will actually help his case.
Draymond is a great fit for Celtics and Suns
Draymond wants $164 million contract
Celtics and Suns are not interested in Draymond and tax
Draymond Green would be a nice addition to the Boston Celtics.
Based on his comments he seems like a very intelligent guy with a good attitude. Good for him.
Reflect, your name is very appropriate given your comment.
Justifiable from Grant tbh.
Yes Brandon Clarke just got 13 mil or whatever that’s just 1 comparison. Clarke has also played less and less minutes every season and his numbers have decreased every year including in efficiency.
Whereas Grant Williams has improve year on year got more minutes every season and shot better every season. He reminds me of a PJ Tucker, Draymond Green type dude. 6’6 PF by trade but can play SF can shoot the three really well, can hit FTs, is good defensively and is becoming more of a leader at that end with his talk.
I’d value Grant Williams at that 14-17mil range