Report: Mavericks discuss trading ex-Celtics wing to Eastern Conference rival

Grant Williams has endured a torrid start to life with the Dallas Mavericks. He's struggling in his current role and has become a focal point of frustration for the fanbase. 

Therefore, it makes sense that the franchise is looking for productive ways to end the partnership just months after acquiring him from the Boston Celtics in a sign-and-trade deal.

According to Marc Stein, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown interest in the versatile forward. A framework surrounding a Bobby Portis-for-Williams swap has reportedly been discussed between the two teams. 

"The Bucks and Mavericks, league sources say, have held exploratory discussions on a trade that would swap Milwaukee's Bobby Portis Jr. and Dallas newcomer Grant Williams," Stein wrote. "It is not yet known if the talks will progress to something more serious. Williams' first season in Dallas has been undeniably disappointing, but his ability to guard a wide variety of players is said to intrigue Milwaukee, which is known to be searching for defensive upgrades."

Williams can guard multiple positions on the floor. His defensive versatility makes him a desirable rotation player on a contending team. His issue in Dallas is that he's being asked to anchor a defense, and that isn't a role that suits his overall talent level. 

Williams is better when being used as a help defender who can add pressure via switches and traps. On offense, he is a reliable corner three-point shooter and has added baseline drives and some post moves to his game. 

The Celtics would likely loathe seeing a former member of their NBA Finals rotation join their biggest challenger in the Eastern Conference. Williams would add a new dimension to Milwaukee's overall system under another former Celtic in new head coach Doc Rivers. However, he isn't the sort of player that would transform a team's fortunes. The Bucks may need more than one defensive upgrade heading into the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, Williams is a proven commodity. He's especially talented at defending bigger, stronger opponents. Notably, he has a good track record against Nikola Jokic, who could be waiting for Milwaukee in the NBA Finals. 

On paper, this trade makes sense. Basketball isn't played on paper, though. So, we will need to wait and see if there's any movement between the two teams between now and Feb. 8.