NBA Rumors: Grant Williams, Max Strus Linked to Pistons, Magic, Pacers in FA

The Indiana Pacers have been active in gauging the free-agent market as they look to bring in some reinforcements around Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Myles Turner this summer.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Pacers are among the teams to be linked to Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams and Miami Heat veteran Max Strus. The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons could also be in the market for both players given the cap space at their disposal, Fischer added.

After missing the playoffs for the third straight season, the Pacers are aiming to bring in some upgrades to better contend for a postseason spot in 2023-24 and beyond.

While Indiana selected Jarace Walker in the first round of the 2023 draft, it would benefit from giving him some time to develop by bringing in a more experienced veteran to fill in the power forward role.

The Magic also missed the playoffs for the third straight season, but Williams or Strus would likely serve as a depth option for Orlando behind Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, who had impressive 2022-23 campaigns.

Detroit has missed the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, and it's possible Williams or Strus could be inserted into the team's starting lineup in 2023-24 alongside Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and James Wiseman.

Williams, who is a restricted free agent this summer, is widely expected to move on from the Celtics after the franchise acquired Kristaps Porziņģis in a three-team deal with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.

The 24-year-old has been a key depth piece for Boston since being selected in the first round of the 2019 draft.

During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 79 games while shooting 45.4 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Strus, who is an unrestricted free agent, would also be a solid option, though he has mostly played off the bench during his career since being signed by the Heat as an undrafted free agent.

During the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 80 games while shooting 41.0 percent from the floor and 35.0 percent from deep.

Both Williams and Strus also have solid playoff experience, which would be beneficial for any of the Pacers, Magic or Pistons in 2023-24 and beyond.