Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams recently opened up about a near-trade experience that could have taken him to the Milwaukee Bucks. Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing situation.
On the cusp of the February 8 trade deadline, Williams found himself on the brink of joining the Bucks. However, fate had other plans. Instead of donning the Bucks’ jersey, he was eventually dealt to the Hornets from the Dallas Mavericks. Williams explained, “It’s just, Charlotte was the best opportunity. I think the only other team that probably would have been an option was Milwaukee, but the deal kind of fell through.”
Grant Williams’ Dallas Connection
Interestingly, Williams had initially landed with the Mavericks in a three-team sign-and-trade deal in July 2023. Despite not significantly boosting his production during his short stint with the Mavericks, he maintained a respectable 37.6 percent three-point shooting average. However, it seems that he may have rubbed some people the wrong way within the organization, as reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon during The Hoop Collective Podcast (15:30 mark).
Hornets’ Gain, Mavericks’ Success
The trade with the Hornets turned out to be a win for the Mavericks. In exchange for Grant Williams, they received forward P.J. Washington, who has been a key contributor during Dallas’ current playoff run. Washington’s scoring and rebounding prowess have bolstered the team, making the trade a strategic move for the Mavericks.
Missed Opportunity for Milwaukee
The Bucks, on the other hand, missed out on the chance to add Williams to their frontcourt depth. Unfortunately, they fell to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs, with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a calf strain. Williams could have provided valuable support, but destiny had other plans.
Grant Williams’ near-trade saga serves as a reminder of how swiftly NBA deals can change course. While he continues to contribute to the Hornets, fans can only wonder what might have been had he ended up in Milwaukee.
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