NBA Rumors: Mavs Eye Celtics' Grant Williams, Kings' Harrison Barnes for FA Contracts

As they head towards an important bounce back year after missing the postseason in 2023, the Dallas Mavericks are eyeing forwards Grant Williams and Harrison Barnes in free agency to help rebuild its front court depth, according to HoopsHype Michael Scotto.

Although it's expected that the Celtics will offer Williams a $6.2 million qualifying offer as he enters restricted free agency, that won't stop teams from showing interest in the former first-round pick. The Mavericks seem to be right in the mix at the moment.

As for Barnes, he just wrapped up the last season of his four-year, $85 million contract with the Sacramento Kings and his vast playoff experience will be attractive to multiple teams on the open market.

Williams being linked is particularly interesting as it's been rumored that Boston may be looking to include him in a sign and trade so that they can bolster their roster, according to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.

Assuming Williams is allowed to walk in free agency, he and Barnes would both be strong front court additions in Dallas where it at times missed some solidity, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Something both players would be able to offer.

League insider Marc Stein reported earlier in the week that the Mavericks would be looking to rebuild its front court rotation and they plan to move on from center Christian Wood. It's still unclear on what they plan on doing with fellow free agent Dwight Powell or Reggie Bullock, who only has part of his salary guaranteed next season.

It could be a complete face lift for the organization on that part of the court if they so choose to.

And Williams and Barnes can be perfect fits for a team that already lacks defensive vigor in the back court with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Both forwards also bring a healthy dose of shooting to any line up. They each shot above 37 percent from three-point range this past season.

After being a sort of staple in Boston's lineups the last couple of seasons, Williams saw his minutes dwindle in 2023 under coach Joe Mazzulla, particularly in the postseason until he was called upon in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Regardless of his role he always delivered the same level of intensity.

As for Barnes, signing with Dallas would be a bit of a reunion, he played with the organization from 2016-2019 before being traded to Sacramento.

He averaged 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during his time in Dallas.