Grant Williams says returning to Celtics in free agency is ‘absolutely’ possible

FOXBORO, Mass. — Despite the Celtics’ salary-cap situation, restricted free agent Grant Williams said he still believes a reunion with the team is possible.

“Absolutely,” Williams said Tuesday afternoon at the Socios.com Field House at Gillette Stadium. “It’s just a matter of the decision of whether or not (a return to Boston) is needed.”

Three days before the start of free agency, Williams dove into several topics, including his status with the Celtics and the impact of the Marcus Smart-Kristaps Porziņģis trade.

Williams’ free agency

The Celtics will enter free agency with more than $170 million in salary already committed for the upcoming season. Even if they only use veteran minimum contracts to fill out the rest of the roster, they won’t be far from the second apron (a projected $182.5 million). Barring a significant salary dump elsewhere, re-signing Williams would thrust the Celtics past that line and leave them with harsh roster-building limitations dictated by the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.

That financial reality could help to squeeze out Williams. Even so, he wasn’t willing to rule out a return.

“Cap-wise, with the new CBA, I think all these teams, as we see, are trying to get the trades in and the contracts done prior to the CBA truly being enacted,” Williams said. “So you’re going to see a lot of all-in pushes. So if the Celtics decide to do that, I think that’s kind of how it will work out (with him re-signing in free agency). If not, it helps them financially a little bit, but it definitely changes the numbers as you look around.”

Because of Williams’ status as a restricted free agent, the Celtics will have the option to match any offer he receives. If a return to the organization works out, he said he would welcome it.

“Brad (Stevens) and those guys, if they decide to keep me and bring me back, of course I’m gonna come back and be excited and happy and ready to play for the Celtics,” Williams said. “If something else happens, then I’ll have to transition, but for me, my outlook has always been that I want to make sure, wherever I am, to impact success and winning and make sure I’m just there for my players around me and focus on the team first. Whatever happens this free agency, we’ll do that.”

Smart’s departure

Williams’ interview was the first by one of Smart’s former teammates since the Celtics traded the guard to Memphis. Williams said the other Boston players will need to “step up” in Smart’s absence “because he was such a huge part of this organization, this franchise.”

“It’s something that definitely hurts a little bit,” Williams said. “Just because you’ve been with somebody for so long, and he’s a phenomenal person, phenomenal teammate, and plays with the most heart and passion of anyone across this entire organization and the league.”

“He’s a true Celtic,” Williams added. “So losing that is definitely…