The NBA Finals matchup between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks is particularly unfortunate for forward Grant Williams.
Williams was traded from the Mavericks to the Charlotte Hornets at this year's trade deadline in exchange for P.J. Washington, who has been a key contributor in their playoff run. Dallas is just the second No. 5 seed in NBA history to reach the Finals (the first being the 2020 Miami Heat).
Adding insult to injury, the 25-year-old spent four seasons in Boston prior to joining the Mavs. This means five and a half of his six years in the league were spent on a team currently in the Finals.
Technically, Williams could still receive a championship ring at Dallas' discretion. It's up to the front office whether or not he will, as there is no set limit on the number passed out. For example, 2017 second-round draft pick Davon Reed was given a ring from the Denver Nuggets despite being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers midseason.
It's clear Williams is less frustrated than many assumed, responding to a post from Overtime that read, "He woke up sad as hell today." He replied, "Woke up feeling blessed. Both teams have great people and it was an honor to learn from them."
Williams found the most individual success of his career in 29 appearances with the Hornets. He averaged career highs in points (13.9), rebounds (5.1), and field goal percentage (50.3).
