Why the Trail Blazers Held Onto Robert Williams III - And Why It Makes Sense
The Portland Trail Blazers didn’t make waves at this year’s trade deadline - unless you count the quiet acquisition of Vit Krejci from Atlanta. But the headline move many anticipated never came: Robert Williams III is still in Portland. And if you’ve been watching this team closely, that decision tracks.
Williams, when healthy, is a game-changer. That’s been the story of his career - flashes of elite rim protection, defensive versatility, and vertical spacing on offense, all wrapped in a body that’s struggled to stay on the floor.
This season, though, he’s finally looked like the version of himself that made him such a coveted big in Boston. And that’s precisely why Portland didn’t move him.
Sure, there was a case to be made for trading him. His value was arguably at its peak - healthy, productive, and on an expiring deal.
But that’s also why he’s more valuable to the Blazers than anything they could’ve gotten in return. Teams weren’t lining up to give up first-rounders or core rotation players for a center with an injury history and a short-term contract.
And Portland isn’t in a place to take a step back, not with the moves they’ve made and the tone they’ve set.
Williams Is More Than Trade Value - He’s Essential Depth
Portland’s frontcourt took a hit with Duop Reath sidelined for the season due to a foot injury. Reath was included in the Krejci deal, but let’s be honest - he had already fallen out of Tiago Splitter’s rotation.
Rookie Yang Hansen, meanwhile, is still finding his footing. At just 20 years old, Hansen has shown flashes, but he’s clearly not ready for major minutes.
Splitter’s been careful with his development, limiting him to just 7.5 minutes per game on average.
That leaves Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III as the only reliable options at the five. And when Clingan needs a breather - or if foul trouble hits - Williams becomes the safety net.
He’s not just a backup; he’s a stabilizer. That kind of presence matters for a team walking the tightrope between developing young talent and chasing a postseason berth.
A Team That Wants to Win Now Can’t Afford to Gamble on Depth
Let’s not forget: this isn’t a team content to sit back and rebuild. The Blazers made that clear when they swung the deal for Jrue Holiday earlier in the season.
That was a win-now move, not a lottery play. And with new ownership on the horizon - Tom Dundon is set to take over this year - there’s a growing sense of urgency to show progress.
Portland’s front office seems aligned with Splitter’s developmental approach to Hansen, treating him as a long-term project rather than an immediate contributor. But that plan only works if there’s someone to hold the line in the meantime. That someone is Robert Williams III.
The Margin for Error Is Thin - and Williams Narrows It
The Western Conference is unforgiving. One bad week can knock you out of the play-in picture.
That’s why Portland couldn’t afford to ship out one of its only dependable bigs for a couple of second-rounders or a developmental flyer. Williams’ ability to anchor the second unit, protect the rim, and bring energy in limited minutes is worth more to this team than anything they were being offered.
And if Hansen eventually grows into the role the Blazers envision for him? Great.
That’s the long-term payoff. But for now, Portland’s trying to thread the needle - compete today while building for tomorrow.
Keeping Williams is a nod to both.
In a league where teams often chase upside at the cost of the present, Portland made a choice rooted in reality. They’re not just betting on Williams’ health - they’re betting on his impact. And if he stays on the floor, that bet could pay off in the form of meaningful basketball come April.