Retaining backup center Robert Williams III was the Portland Trail Blazers' best move in the offseason.
In one of the healthiest seasons of his career, Williams proved to be a key piece of the Blazers' rotation and instrumental to their playoff pursuit. He looked the part of the dominant two-way center the Blazers envisioned when they made him a key piece in their initial Jrue Holiday deal with the Boston Celtics.
Because of his injuries as well as the fact that Portland invested consecutive first-round picks at the position, many always viewed Williams as the odd man out in their frontcourt logjam.
However, Williams has survived countless trade rumors as the Blazers' front office has valued him more than what he's worth on the market. That's why it shouldn't come as a surprise that they ultimately kept Williams around, reaching a three-year, $44 million deal.
Blazers were right to keep Robert Williams III around
Plus, the improved health after having played 59 games suggests the Blazers may have found a working formula in terms of Williams' injury maintenance and restrictions throughout the season, one of which includes sitting out back-to-back games.
That contract is incredibly reasonable as is. Williams was genuinely one of the league's best backups last season. That was on full display in their first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, where Williams even outplayed starting center Donovan Clingan to the point that we wanted interim head coach Tiago Splitter to make a mid-series adjustment to the starting lineup.
But what makes the contract truly Portland's best move of the offseason is the injury protections. It may be a three-year deal, but it's only fully guaranteed in year one, mitigating injury risk for the Blazers.
Here's what NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on X regarding the unique structure of the deal:
"In Portland, I'm told Robert Williams' extension is fully guaranteed at $14 million for this season, but just $5 million guaranteed in Year 2, which becomes fully guaranteed if he plays 50 games this 2026-27 campaign. Then, Year 3 is entirely non-guaranteed, but becomes fully guaranteed if Williams plays 50 games in 27-28. Wonky..."
That's absolutely perfect for Portland's frontcourt situation, particularly their two-timeline approach.
They need Williams' immediate impact to return to the postseason in what should be an even deeper Western Conference this year. Those extra three years buy multi-year project Yang Hansen more time to develop before throwing him into the fire.
There were other calculated moves this offseason from Portland, with the headliner, of course, being the buy-low trade for Ja Morant. But when factoring in roster needs, contract details, and overall fit for what the Blazers need heading into the 2026-27 season, there's no better move for them than retaining the Time Lord.
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