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The Boston Celtics have a pressing need at the center position, and because of that, the Celtics should trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for Robert Williams.
The Celtics have made some big trades this offseason in an effort to get their finances in check. They traded Jrue Holiday for Anferee Simons before making a separate deal involving Kristaps Porzingis that netted Georges Niang.
With Jayson Tatum out for the upcoming season because of his torn Achilles, it made sense to make the moves necessary to get under the second apron. Even so, Boston isn't entering a full rebuilding mode. They still expect to contend upon Tatum's return, and in a weak Eastern Conference, they will even still look to win games next season.
The Trail Blazers seem destined to trade a center, and Williams has a history in Boston. So what would a Williams-to-Boston deal look like?
Celtics' possible trade package for Robert Williams
Celtics receive: Robert Williams
Trail Blazers receive: Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, JD Davison, second-round pick
The Trail Blazers drafted yet another center in the 2025 NBA Draft. A year after choosing Donovan Clingan in the lottery, Portland selected Yang Hansen 16th overall. The rookie from China will add to a depth chart that also features Deandre Ayton, Duop Reath, and Williams.
One, two, or potentially even three of those players need to go, as there simply aren't enough minutes to go around, and none of them can share the floor together.
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Ayton and Williams are the likely trade candidates, but the former first overall pick may cost a pretty penny. Williams, meanwhile, could likely be had for cheap especially because he is quite far down the center pecking order in Portland.
The decision to draft Hansen was one of many peculiar moves this offseason for the Trail Blazers. Additionally, they had previously worked with the Celtics in the Holiday trade. Anfernee Simons was sent to Boston in that deal, and although the Trail Blazers were widely criticized for that move, they are clearly comfortable negotiating with the Celtics.
This trade would be a much better deal for Portland than the Holiday trade was. Sam Hauser is one of the best catch-and-shoot 3-point specialists in the NBA, which is a niche the Trail Blazers need. Hauser's 8.5 points per game last season were far superior to Williams' scoring output, and he has been a more reliable option when it comes to health throughout his career, too.
Should the Celtics trade for Robert Williams?
With Porzingis already shipped away and Al Horford nearing retirement, the Celtics need help at center. Williams has never been able to stay healthy consistently, which is part of the reason he was shipped from Boston to Portland in the first place, but he was a great fit for the Celtics when he was able to stay on the floor during his days with the team.
Williams' nickname is ‘Timelord' because he is one of the best at blocking shots in the NBA. He is also a serviceable lob threat and put-back artist. Williams could play behind or alongside Horford if the veteran has another season in him. He'd be even more valuable if Horford decides to retire or not re-sign.
Losing Hauser wouldn't be easy for the Celtics, but it would continue their offseason trend of getting their finances in check. Williams only has one year left on his contract, whereas Hauser is on the books for four more seasons.
As of now, the Celtics will bank on Neemias Queta to play heavy minutes at the center unless they re-sign Luke Kornet and/or Horford. Regardless, the Celtics need more help at the five spot. Boston's roster is going to look a whole lot different next season, and they probably shouldn't stop making changes now.
