Many of the highest-profile NBA free agents have already agreed to new deals, but Damian Lillard's long-awaited trade request assures we've got no shortage of rumors and reports to dissect as we progress further into July.
Where will Lillard ultimately land, and do the Portland Trail Blazers even care?
Which remaining restricted free agents are the biggest flight risks?
How long will Joel Embiid put up with the transactional revolving doors in Philly?
Let's check out the buzz on these issues and several others as we buy or sell the latest NBA free-agency and trade rumors.
Grant Williams Done in Boston?
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics' frontcourt rotation should add intriguing spacing, shot-making and rim-protection. According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, it may also result in restricted free agent Grant Williams heading out of town.
The 24-year-old never averaged more than last year's 8.1 points per game during his four seasons with Boston, but his defensive versatility and reliable three-point shooting played key roles in a handful of deep playoff runs. Celtics fans won't soon forget the seven threes Williams hit against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals.
If money were no object, Boston would certainly want Williams back. Porzingis adds a new dynamic on both ends, but Williams' high effort level and grimy competitiveness would have counted for a little extra with Marcus Smart no longer in the fold. Or, at least it would have until Boston landed hard-nosed combo forward Oshae Brissett on a two-year, minimum deal in free agency.
That move gave the Celtics a projected payroll of just over $175 million for 12 players. Retaining Williams on a deal in the neighborhood of the three-year, $51 million pact fellow restricted free agent Rui Hachimura inked with the Los Angeles Lakers would send Boston zooming past the second apron.
Buy or Sell: Buy Williams' days in Boston coming to a close. The combination of Porzingis and Brissett can fill the gaps left by Williams' impending absence, and the new CBA makes it too onerous to pay him a market-rate salary.