The biggest mistake the Pacers can make in free agency

Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Julio Aguilar/2023 Julio Aguilar)
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Julio Aguilar/2023 Julio Aguilar)

The Pacers have an important offseason coming up. They will need to potentially look for a power forward of the future. We’ve looked at multiple different options that the Pacers will have available to them in free agency as well as forwards that will be available to them in the draft. One of the better options that will be on the market next offseason will be Grant Williams, who has been a solid rotational piece for the championship caliber Boston Celtics.

So far this seasons Grant Williams is averaging: 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists and shooting 46% FG and 41% FG3. In addition, Williams plays solid defense and has the size to guard some of the bigger power forwards that the Pacers have struggled with recently.

The newest reports around what Grant will be seeking in free agency is a bit shocking. It’s reported that Grant Williams wants 20 million a year in his new contract, and while he certainly is a solid player, he probably isn’t a 20 million dollar a year player. For reference, other players in the 20 million a year range are Mikal Bridges, Jarrett Allen, Aaron Gorden, Jerami Grant, and Fred VanVleet. And while salaries continue to climb, Grant would be the worst player on the list by quite a margin.

It would be a mistake to give Grant Williams 20 million a year.

Quite frankly, he just isn’t worth that pricetag. There are better options on the market, specifically Jerami Grant. Jerami is averaging the following: 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists on 48% FG and 40% FG3. And while Jerami’s next contract will be higher than 20 million a year, he is worth slightly overpaying moreso than Grant Williams is.

The Pacers need a power forward, yes. But they don’t need one so bad that they should handcuff their future to bring in a player that doesn’t significantly raise their floor or ceiling i.e. Grant Williams.