Celtics Rumors: Grant Williams has played his last game in the Green

Brad Stevens has some work to do this summer. Coming off their disappointing Game 7 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, there is no doubt that shakeup is on the horizon for the Boston Celtics.

The only question, really, is how much and who?

While there are some obvious answers (goodbye, Payton Pritchard!), there are also going to be some losses that some might not have seen coming. One such player is former first round pick and backup big man Grant Williams.

Grant Williams, Boston Celtics headed towards split this offseason

While Williams certainly had his fair share of big moments for the C’s, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this likely end is going to leave something to be desired. That’s largely due to whatever anti-aging creams and potions Al Horford is using to actually improve as he gets older, which never allowed Williams to truly break into the starting lineup full time.

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And even though his shooting improved dramatically from the guy who started his career 0-25 on three pointers, Grant will be remembered by a large section of the fanbase more for his constant whining to officials and for firing up Jimmy Butler this past series than he will for his Game 7 outburst against the Milwaukee Bucks last year that saved their season.

In the end, it’s a numbers game. No matter how much the local and national media try to push it, Jaylen Brown isn’t going anywhere. It would be foolish for Stevens to move him, and I don’t think Brad is anyone’s fool.

Simply put, the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum duo is destined to win together in Boston. And to accomplish that goal, sacrifices are going to have to be made. Unfortunately, Grant Williams is likely going to be one of them.

Boston Celtics might not have room, or money, for Grant Williams

Nothing in the NBA happens in a vacuum. Everything that happens to every player impacts someone else, and that story is no different for Williams. We already mentioned Al Horford’s lack of regression taking away time from William, but there’s even more than just that.

Danilo Gallinari, a key acquisition last offseason, didn’t play a second for the C’s thanks to his ACL injury. He’ll be back. Many have discussed a potential trade of Malcolm Brogdon after his subpar ECF play, albeit while injured, but there’s a case to be made that he should stick around. If he does, that’s just one more guy in the way.

And let’s not forget postseason hero Derrick White, who locked himself into a larger role next season with his stellar play. That’s a lot of names, and a lot of minutes that aren’t going to be available to Williams if he stuck around. Who could blame him for leaving, really?

But the biggest reason that Williams has played his last game as a Boston Celtic is money. NBA teams, by and large, tend to get absolutely stupid when they have money to spend and there is a 3-and-D wing available.

Add in Williams’ ability to bang with larger players down low and it’s a slam dunk: Grant Williams is going to get a bag from someone. Reports are already rolling in of interested teams. With the Boston Celtics cap crunch coming down the road, they just might not be able to talk themselves into paying starter money to a guy who has never been that.

It’s going to sting, and it will be a loss in the locker room, but luckily this team is more than talented enough to make up for it. And hey, maybe it will serve as a reminder that nothing in this league is forever, and that you have to win when you have the chance, because it may not come around again.