Former Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams was interviewed. forbes Before Game 2 of the Mavericks vs. Thunder series. He talked about his former team, his thoughts on its future, and why he wasn't surprised to be traded to Charlotte at the trade deadline.
Dallas traded Grant Williams, Seth Curry and a future first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in February in exchange for P.J. Washington. This move put the Mavericks on their current trajectory and showed Washington was better on the court. A good fit for his hometown team. He scored 56 points in Game 2 and Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and was a big reason the Mavericks were able to win both games.
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Williams said. forbes “I wasn't surprised. I think there was a chance for both teams to get the players they wanted. All of us were bonded to each other throughout the offseason. It's so fun to say we're kind ” Technically, me and PJ both went home…I think we all understood what Nico Harrison (Mavericks general manager) was conveying. My relationship with him was not very good. I was shocked or rather dazzled by this move, but I still have a good relationship with them. I think we're all in a great position. ”
forbes Despite other reports that the Mavericks were tired of his rantings, Williams stated that he harbored no ill will towards the Mavericks, and in fact was with “his former team, the (Boston) Celtics. I expect both Mavericks teams to meet in the NBA Finals.'' However, Williams made sure to say that he believes the Mavericks will win a title within the next two to three years. ” Both teams currently hold the lead in the series, with Dallas defeating OKC 2-1 and Boston defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1.
The move to his hometown of Charlotte paid off statistically. After Williams signed a four-year/$53 million deal with the Mavericks in the 2023 offseason, he played poorly in Dallas, averaging 8.1 PPG and shooting 41.3 percent from the field. He was traded to Charlotte after appearing in just 47 games, averaging 13.9 PPG and shooting 50.3% from the field. The Hornets' goal is to make the playoffs, and he believes they have the talent to make it happen.
Read more: Dallas Mavericks beat OKC Thunder in Game 3: 3 game-changing plays
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