Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Show Interest in Grant Williams

As reported by Jared Weiss of The Athletic, over the weekend, the Boston Celtics offered guard Dennis Schröder to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Donte DiVincenzo. The Bucks would counter, asking Boston to also add forward Grant Williams to the trade package.

It was then Boston’s turn to decline Milwaukee’s offer, but Weiss would also add that the two sides are still having ongoing conversations with the NBA trade deadline now just a day away.

The Milwaukee Bucks interest in Williams shouldn’t come as a surprise whatsoever.

With Brook Lopez sidelined all season with a back injury, the Bucks have been on a constant search for extra help at the big-man position. Early on in the season, DeMarcus Cousins would fill that role and did so fairly well, but when it came time to guaranteeing his contract for the remainder of the season, Milwaukee would release him.

The Bucks have also brought in players such as Luke Kornet, who has since been released, and more recently, Greg Monroe on 10-day deals. Kornet appeared in only one game with Milwaukee while Monroe has averaged 15 minutes per contest over the last three games along with 5.0 points and 4.0 rebounds—however, if still around, he’s not going to be a long-term answer come the playoffs.

Enter Williams, who has taken on a larger role this season and has been the first big-man off the Boston bench. The 6’6” Williams was the 22nd overall pick by Boston in 2019, and for his career, he has averaged 4.9 points per game with 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 assist. He’s also knocked down 36.8 percent of his career 3-point attempts.

But this season, Williams’ production has taken a big step forward. In 22.8 minutes per game, he is averaging 7.2 points 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.7 blocks—all of which are career highs. Williams has also made 42.9 percent for his shots from deep on 3.4 attempts per game.

Williams brings a stout and versatile presence to the defensive end, and he really fits that 3 & D mold that coach Mike Budenholzer tries to surround his superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with.

In addition to what he brings on the court, Williams also comes with a base salary of only $2.6 million this season, according to Spotrac. He is also eligible for the rookie extension following this year, and he’s still under contract next season as well.

Given his role and production, the Celtics may have no interest in trading Williams, especially with their recent resurgence over the last month. It’s also not as if the Milwaukee Bucks have many tradeable assets either, with DiVincenzo being the headliner, along with Jordan Nwora, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, and some second-round draft picks being some other options.

The good news, however, is that Boston is still engaged with Milwaukee in conversations—showing a willingness to negotiate. We will continue to play the waiting game and see what happens, but the trade deadline is near.