5. Grant Williams
Williams was dumped by the two teams who eventually made the NBA Finals in the same year. Boston decided to let him depart as he reached free agency last summer. The Mavericks acquired him in a sign-and-trade only to move on before the deadline. Dallas traded Williams to get a key piece in their run in P.J. Washington.
Williams was disastrous in Dallas. He had a negative-0.4 value over replacement player (VORP) over 47 games, and things were clearly not working. Williams was significantly better with Charlotte and still has three years remaining on his contract.
The 25-year-old helped the Celtics make the conference finals three times in four years. He has playoff experience and knows how to assist a contender. Williams spaces the floor, defends multiple positions, and can make plays. He could be a key piece of any second unit and figures to draw interest if the Hornets make him available.
Grant Williams is the third-highest-paid player on the Charlotte Hornets' roster heading into the 2024-25 season. He could become a crucial salary-matcher in a larger trade. The franchise needs to put the right pieces around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. If Williams struggles again, he may be on a different roster after the Feb. 6 trade deadline.