Restricted free agent from the Celtics that the Pistons could steal

Yesterday was the deadline for rookie extensions for players drafted in 2019 and the Detroit Pistons will keep an eye on the guys who didn’t get signed.

There are several possible targets among them, including a player from one of their biggest rivals.

One surprise on this list was Grant Williams, who was a big part of the Celtics’ Finals run last season, as he played stout defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo and hit some timely 3-point shots to help carry the Celtics out of the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics weren’t able to come to an agreement on an extension, but that doesn’t mean he won’t end up re-signing, as Boston could still match any offer and may just want further proof that the guy they saw in the playoffs can play at that level all season.

Williams was the breakout star for the Celtics in the playoffs and ended the season shooting 41 percent from 3-point range to go along with his versatile defense, so he could be due for a big payday if he can build upon that success.

The Detroit Pistons will likely have a ton of cap space next summer and could target a couple of guys in Williams’ tier rather than go after one big name.

But is Grant Williams a guy they should pursue?

Detroit Pistons: Grant Williams is a big risk

Signing restricted free agents is almost always difficult and risky, as teams essentially have to offer more than their current team is willing to spend, which can lead to overpaying for talent.

The Pistons definitely need a wing stopper who can shoot, as it is their biggest roster weakness, and Grant has shown he can be that guy at the highest level. His age fits the timeline and he already has the big-game experience that the young Pistons lack.

Adding a defensive forward who shoots 40+ percent from 3-point range will be a goal over the next few seasons, but Williams comes with some additional risk.

Williams played 24 minutes per game last season and averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds, so his gross stats don’t jump off the page. He was a low-volume shooter on a very good team, so was the beneficiary of being the 3rd or 4th option most of the time, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown getting most of the attention.

He’s the ideal complementary player on a good team, but the Detroit Pistons aren’t there yet and may not be by next season either. They’d have to offer a big contract to pry Williams away from the Celtics, and while he is a very good player for them, would he be the same guy in a larger role on a worse team?

I love the way Williams plays and he would fit right into the culture the Pistons are trying to build, but it would be a risky move, as they could be overpaying for a guy who is best suited to be a role player on a good team.

You also have to wonder if a player like Saddiq Bey would put up more efficient numbers on a good team where he was more of a spot-up shooter and role player in the offense. If you switched Bey and Williams, their numbers might flip flop as well, as Bey would benefit from having a more defined role on a good team and Williams might get exposed if he had a larger role on a rebuilding team.

Williams will likely dictate this by the season he has, as he has improved every year in the league and another leap will put him in line for a big pay raise, probably from the Celtics.

But he’ll be a player to watch this season, as the Pistons need more talent and depth in their forward ranks.