The Boston Celtics might be eyeing a familiar face as the trade deadline approaches-and it’s one that once anchored their defense with shot-blocking flair and above-the-rim energy. Robert Williams III, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, is reportedly on the trade block, and a reunion with the Celtics is very much in play.
According to reports, Boston is actively exploring ways to bolster its frontcourt before the February 5 deadline. Two names have surfaced in internal discussions: Ivica Zubac of the Clippers and Williams, affectionately known around the league as “Time Lord.” Both bring different strengths, but Williams offers something Boston fans know well-elite rim protection, vertical spacing, and a defensive motor that fits snugly into the Celtics’ identity.
The Celtics’ interest comes at a moment when they’re sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. With Jayson Tatum expected back soon, the team is clearly in win-now mode.
That makes the frontcourt a focal point. Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are no longer manning the paint in green, and while Boston has managed to stay competitive, it’s clear the frontcourt depth could use a boost-especially with playoff basketball looming.
Enter Robert Williams III.
Yes, the injury history is well-documented. And no, he’s not a long-term solution you can fully bank on from a health standpoint.
But in the short term, he’s exactly the kind of defensive spark plug that can elevate a playoff rotation. He knows the system.
He knows the locker room. And more importantly, he knows what it takes to win in Boston.
From Portland’s side, the move makes sense too. The Trail Blazers are leaning into a youth movement, with Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen emerging as their frontcourt of the future.
Williams, on an expiring contract, becomes more of a trade chip than a foundational piece. Portland appears more willing to move him now than they were a year ago, and if the right offer comes in, it’s hard to imagine them holding on.
Financially, Williams would likely come cheaper than Zubac, making him an appealing option for Boston if they want to shore up the roster without giving up significant assets. That’s a key point-this isn’t about mortgaging the future. It’s about fine-tuning a contender that already has championship aspirations.
Let’s not forget, Williams was a major part of Boston’s defensive identity during their Finals run in 2022, earning All-Defensive Second Team honors that season. While he wasn’t part of the 2024 championship squad, a return now would give him a legitimate shot at contributing to another title push.
If the Celtics can pull this off-adding a familiar, high-impact piece without compromising their long-term flexibility-it could be one of the savvier moves of the deadline. For Williams, it’s a chance to rejoin a team where his game fits naturally. For Boston, it’s an opportunity to patch a roster hole with someone who’s already proven he can thrive under the TD Garden lights.
This one just makes sense-for everyone involved.