Trail Blazers Free Agency Top Priority: Extend Robert Williams III

The Portland Trail Blazers have a key piece soon to move into free agency unless the two sides can agree to a veteran extension before the June 30 deadline. Veteran center Robert Williams III arrived in Portland in 2023 as part of a package that sent Jrue Holiday to Boston. Due to injuries, Williams only appeared in 85 games over three seasons for the Blazers, but is still worth the investment based on his performance this season.

Williams was a vital role player for the Blazers on both sides of the ball. “When he was on the court, the Blazers had a 137.5 offensive rating compared to 114.4 as a team. His defensive rating was 107.1, while the Blazers had a 114.7 defensive rating as a team. Therefore, the Blazers were better on offense and defense when Williams was on the court, writes Jeremy Barner. 

“He's proven to be the ideal complementary piece to [Donovan] Clingan and was arguably the best backup big in the entire association this season,” Reese Kunz of Rip City Project wrote. “That's crucial for Portland's win-now aspirations, especially since Yang Hansen appears to be a multi-year project that can't be relied on to make a meaningful contribution next season.”

Hansen also has a similar skill set to Clingan and both struggle on the defensive end when facing a smaller, perimeter-centric offenses. Williams gives the Blazers flexibility to account for such lineups, especially San Antonio, which eliminated Portland in five games in the first round of the playoffs.“Williams, who has struggled to stay healthy for most of the last few years, stepped into an important defensive role, living up to his status as a veteran with playoff experience," writes Bleacher Report Eric Pincus.

"Depending on his medicals, Williams could be set to earn another deal above $10 million, though probably no more than 1-2 years in length. He could fit with several teams with playoff aspirations, presumably in a managed-minute role off the bench." According to Kunz, Williams is eligible for an extension of up to $87 million over 4 years. It will be interesting to see if the Blazers are able to sign him before other suitors get involved during free agency.

If Robert Williams III moves on in free agency, the Trail Blazers will lose a strong veteran presence in the front court that will be difficult to replace at a similar price point. Portland can avoid this by extending him before free agency begins.