There is a logjam among Portland’s centers with the abundance of players. This includes Robert Williams III, who has played sparingly. To decide Williams’ future, the front office can finalize the Blazers’ trade plans.
Robert Williams III And The Trail Blazers’ Trade Plans In 2025-26
The 2025-26 season is promising for the Portland Trail Blazers due to the potential of their roster. Young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are ready for the next step in their careers.
Another promising player is big man Donovan Clingan, who looks set to be the long-term center. At 7’2″, he is already an intimidating paint presence, but he also possesses elite defensive traits. If he keeps working on his game, he could become one of the NBA’s best centers.
Deandre Ayton was once in Clingan’s path, but he still has a veteran teammate in Robert Williams III. Despite the veteran’s skill set and experience, Williams’ future might not be in Portland.
Williams is One of the Blazers’ Trade Pieces
Since Williams joined the team in 2023 from the Boston Celtics, he has not been the most reliable. Across two seasons, he has only played in 26 games out of 164 regular-season games. That is not what you want to see from a talented player like Williams.
Man, it’s so good to see Robert Williams III back on the basketball court.
19 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL | 3 BLK
One of one. pic.twitter.com/eKhhlS4cVL
— Jake Issenberg (@jakeissenberg) November 13, 2024
Portland’s centers have dealt with injury trouble, but Clingan remained mostly healthy during his rookie season. That makes Williams a liability for Portland, because in the NBA, the best ability is availability.
If Williams cannot stay healthy, it might be best for Portland to trade him. It would be enticing to retain the current center rotation, but it is unstable with Williams’ injury history.
Williams has value in the trade market, as he is in the last year of his four-year contract. Teams are willing to take swings at an oft-injured player if they are in the final year of their deal. Williams has value in the trade market, and the Blazers’ trade gurus could cash in during the 2025-26 season.
Williams Will Be An Intriguing Piece For Any Team
Defensive versatility is a big deal in the NBA, as evidenced by the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success. Williams is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA when he is healthy.
Since he is in the last year of his deal, the Blazers would prefer to get something for him. That is the best-case scenario over letting him walk for free next summer.
Williams is an ideal target for teams across the NBA, including the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a talented player who needs to stay healthy. It will be challenging given his history, but the reward is much higher than the risk with his expiring deal.
Yang Hansen’s Potential Pathway is Important
The Trail Blazers would have loved to keep Williams around if he stayed healthy. He might have even competed for the starting spot against Clingan. Nowadays, the Blazers are looking at Clingan and Yang Hansen as Portland’s centers.
Hansen Yang is the greatest basketball player to ever live
pic.twitter.com/hDkOjdxyiL— Ryan Hammer
(@ryanhammer09) July 12, 2025
The young Chinese center will still need to develop, but he has the tools to become a good player. Clingan is the de facto starter now, but Yang could also be the long-term choice. Duop Reath is also a good third-string center who can help the team.
It will be up to coach Chauncey Billups and general manager Joe Cronin to decide in the long run. In the meantime, Clingan is the starter, Williams is the backup. However, Williams’ future might involve a trade if the Blazers shop him sometime in the 2025-26 season.
© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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