Former Texas A&M standout Robert Williams III is staying in Portland for the long haul.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Williams agreed Tuesday to a three-year, $44 million extension with the Trail Blazers that runs through the 2028-29 season. CBS Sports reported that the 6-foot-10, 237-pound big man from Oil City, Louisiana, would have drawn a strong market in free agency if Portland hadn’t moved to keep him.
Williams’ role is expected to remain clear. He reportedly will back up Donovan Clingan at center in 2026-27.
The former Aggie spent two seasons at Texas A&M before the Boston Celtics took him with the 27th pick in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Many projections had him going much higher, even into the lottery, but he slid late into the opening round.
He’s built his NBA reputation the same way he did in college: with defense, rebounding and a relentless presence around the rim. Williams is a two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and last season in Portland he averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game.
His Celtics years also brought the nickname that stuck. After oversleeping and missing his introductory press conference - and even missing his flight to Boston - fans online dubbed him “Time Lord,” and Williams embraced it.
Now he’s cashed in again, with Portland making sure one of Texas A&M’s most recognizable former stars remains part of its future.
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Taylor is set to get another look in NBA circles when summer league games begin in early July, a stage that can still matter a lot for guards trying to prove they can handle the pace, the pressure and the shot-making that carries over. He had previously received a summer league invitation from the Milwaukee Bucks before starting his pro career, and this latest opportunity gives him another shot to turn a strong college legacy into something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]