The Trail Blazers' selection of Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft was initially viewed as a significant reach, but is already shaping up to be a steal for Portland. Between their past two first-round picks of Donovan Clingan and now Hansen, the Blazers have solidified their center position for years to come.
Deandre Ayton has already been a casualty of this surprising pick, with the Blazers agreeing to a contract buyout and Ayton landing with the Los Angeles Lakers. But there's another center on an expiring deal that Portland must also move: Robert Williams III.
Yang Hansen's arrival strengthens case for trading Robert Williams
Yes, the Blazers value Williams highly, which was evident at last season's trade deadline when the rumored asking price of multiple second-round picks was deemed as wishcasting by other front offices. However, things change quickly in the ever-evolving NBA.
Since the deadline, Williams, unfortunately, has only further proven to be unreliable due to his injury-proneness. He has managed to play in just 26 games throughout his two years in Portland.
Meanwhile, Clingan only continued to improve as a rookie, averaging 8.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 26 games following the All-Star break. Clingan's presence as a defensive anchor was integral in Portland finishing with a top-ten ranked defense in 2025.
Further strengthening the case to move on from Williams is the addition of -- and optimism surrounding -- Hansen.
Despite being a projected second-round pick, Hansen has a higher floor than many would expect. His elite basketball IQ, versatile offensive skillset, and 7-foot-1 frame are a safe bet to stick around and provide value in the league.
Portland now has a dynamic center duo in Clingan and Hansen, with Clingan serving as an elite rim protector and Hansen operating as an offensive hub. Who ultimately becomes Portland's long-term starting center remains to be seen. But between the two, the Blazers should already have enough insurance to feel more confident in trading Williams.
The Blazers have made it clear that they want to win now. And in a perfect world, keeping Williams around would help them achieve that goal. But Portland needs to come to terms with the fact that Williams can't be counted on going forward. His injury history makes him too risky for long-term investment. With his contract expiring, the Blazers must get something in return by trading him to a team looking to address frontcourt needs — such as the Lakers, Warriors, or Bucks — rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.
The reasons to keep Williams are outweighed by those to move on, especially given Clingan's emergence and, most importantly, the draft steal in Hansen.