The Portland Trail Blazers are officially open for business when it comes to center Robert Williams III, according to a recent report. And with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the timing might be just right for Portland to make a move.
Williams, when healthy, has been a difference-maker. His blend of rim protection, vertical spacing, and defensive instincts make him a valuable asset-especially in a league where mobile bigs who can anchor a defense are at a premium.
But that “when healthy” qualifier looms large. Injuries have consistently interrupted his rhythm, and with his $13.3 million contract set to expire, the Blazers are staring down a tough decision: extend a risky investment or flip him now while his value is still relatively high.
There’s a strong case to be made for the latter. Under the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, financial flexibility has become more than just a buzzword-it’s a necessity.
And that’s where Williams’ expiring deal becomes a strategic asset. Even teams that aren’t particularly enamored with his injury history could be interested in him as a salary-matching piece-especially if Portland is willing to attach draft capital or another asset to sweeten the pot.
Portland's trade options don’t end with Williams, either. Matisse Thybulle, another defensive-minded player on an $11.6 million contract, is also a name to watch. These mid-tier contracts give the Blazers the ability to package deals and potentially pursue a bigger-name player or a better-fitting piece for their evolving core.
Interestingly, league chatter doesn’t just paint the Blazers as sellers. There’s growing curiosity about whether Portland could pivot into the buyer’s lane if the right opportunity presents itself.
With a mix of young talent and tradable contracts, they’re in a position to go either direction. That duality has rival executives keeping a close eye on Rip City.
As for potential destinations for Williams, nothing is locked in yet-but there are some logical fits. Teams like the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers have been linked to frontcourt upgrades.
The Celtics, in particular, are an intriguing possibility. Williams played his best basketball in Boston, and with their eyes still on a deep playoff run, a reunion could offer both familiarity and upside.
The Pacers, with their fast-paced offense and need for a defensive anchor, could also benefit from a player like Williams who can clean up mistakes at the rim.
Even the Los Angeles Lakers, who are reportedly prioritizing 3-and-D wings, might find Williams to be a short-term solution to their defensive issues in the paint. He wouldn’t be a long-term fix, but in a playoff push, sometimes a stopgap is all you need.
The bottom line: Portland appears more open to moving Williams now than they were at this time last year. Whether they’re aiming to retool around their young core or simply capitalize on the market while they can, all signs point to a deal happening before the deadline. The only question left is where Williams will land-and what Portland will get in return.