Celtics Writer Discusses Potential Robert Williams Reunion Trade

The Boston Celtics’ trade outlook is actually pretty clear, even if their buy-or-sell status is still undecided. If the Celts do decide to buy, they’ll be working with two obvious trade chips in Anfernee Simons ($27.7 million expiring contract) and Sam Hauser ($10 million cap hit), and they’ll be going after a big man.

One idea floated by The Athletic’s Jay King is a reunion with injury-prone center Robert Williams III, who is still with the Portland Trail Blazers (Brad Stevens sent him there in the Jrue Holiday trade back in 2023).

Williams has always been tantalizing as one of the most athletic rim protectors in the world, but the main narrative of his career has sadly been that he’s always injured.

“A reunion could be far-fetched for various reasons, but Williams could certainly be on the move, with Portland hoping to clear the way for its young centers,” King wrote on Wednesday. “On a $13.3 million expiring contract, he wouldn’t hurt the Celtics’ future cap sheet. When healthy, he has been productive for the Trail Blazers this season, but his durability has been a major problem. He has played fewer than 1,000 minutes since the Celtics traded him to Portland in the 2023 offseason. NBA rules would prevent Simons from returning to the Trail Blazers, his former team, in such a trade.”

Williams has suited up for 27 games with Portland so far this season, contributing 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 0.6 steals in 15.7 minutes per outing. Recent performances include a 12-point, four-rebound effort against the New York Knicks on January 11 and 11 points with eight boards versus Golden State on January 13, helping the Blazers amid their rebuilding phase. Williams remains a key defensive anchor when healthy.

He entered the NBA as the 27th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2018 Draft. Over his eight-year career, he has appeared in 262 games, averaging 7.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per contest while shooting an efficient 72.1 percent from the field. Williams earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2022, showcasing his rim protection during Boston’s Finals run.