The Portland Trail Blazers have made Robert Williams III available for trade, and a reunion with the Boston Celtics has been rumored as a projected landing spot.
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reported that the Celtics are looking to upgrade their frontcourt rotation by the Feb. 5 trade deadline, mentioning Williams as one potential option.
"The two big men that I'm looking at that I think the Celtics are looking at and have discussed internally are Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers center, and Robert Williams III," Mannix said.
Celtics could reunite with Robert Williams III
NBA insider Jake Fischer has also reported via The Stein Line that the Celtics are looking for frontcourt help (subscription required) at the deadline. The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers are two other teams mentioned, although it remains to be seen if they have a specific interest in Time Lord.
Two things have to go right for Williams to ultimately reunite with Boston: the Blazers actually part ways with their talented big man, and the Celtics actually want to buy at the deadline. However, both are becoming increasingly likely.
Portland has made Williams available for trade and is considered more willing to trade him at this deadline than last year.
Meanwhile, the Celtics suddenly find themselves near the top of the Eastern Conference. With a Jayson Tatum return potentially on the horizon, it makes more sense for them to upgrade their frontcourt to try to make another deep playoff run.
With Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis now elsewhere, Boston's frontcourt has become its biggest roster weakness. While Williams extensive injury history wouldn't be the most reliable solution to that problem, he'd certainly help. If Zubac and Williams are the two targets, they'd get Portland's big man at a fraction of the price, too.
That's why this is ultimately a deal that makes sense for all parties involved.
The Blazers should deem Williams more expendable with Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen as their frontcourt of the future, especially now that he's on an expiring contract.
Williams would join a situation in which he's previously thrived, as evidenced by his NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2022. While he missed out on Boston's 2024 championship, he'd have an excellent opportunity to be part of their next one.
And this way, the Celtics could give themselves a chance at another ring without sacrificing their future, which should be the direction they take at the deadline.