As Portland searches for a new coach, rival contenders circle their elite backup big. From a Boston reunion to a Knicks replacement, these three teams could snatch Williams.
Robert Williams III may be a hot commodity on the open market this summer.
On June 30 at 6 p.m. EST, Williams will become an unrestricted free agent, placing pressure on the Portland Trail Blazers to make a decision on its talented backup big.
Depending on the long-term view that the Blazers' eventual head coach wants to put into place, Williams' potential contract and role could change once upper management tabs a new sideline patroller.
Williams, 28, will have plenty of suitors from both the East and West, but which teams are the biggest threat to steal Portland's depth piece?
1. Los Angeles Lakers
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesThe worst-kept secret in the league has been the Lakers' interest in acquiring a true difference-maker at the center spot.
Since dealing Anthony Davis, Los Angeles has cycled through multiple veteran options at the five, but none have emerged as the right fit for the success the franchise envisions for a Luka Doncic-led roster.
After trying and failing to revive Deandre Ayton's career, I wouldn't be surprised if GM Rob Pelinka throws a competitive offer Williams' way.
2. Boston Celtics
Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesCould a reunion be in order for Williams?
The former Celtic made the All-Defensive Second Team in 2022, playing a crucial role for the Boston squad that fell to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Williams was Portland's return prize for rerouting Jrue Holiday to the Celtics the following year, who he ironically ended up teammates with on the Blazers.
Since it seems extremely unlikely Nikola Vucevic will remain Boston's starting five in 2026-27, it'll be interesting to see if the Celtics pursue Williams to shore up their frontcourt ahead of a pivotal season in the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era.
3. New York Knicks
Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesNow this one might make too much sense.
Regardless of whether the Knicks end up as 2026 NBA champions or not, the likelihood of Mitchell Robinson returning as Karl-Anthony Towns' backup appears to be small.
Should Robinson walk, potentially to either of the two teams listed above, New York could be a major threat to steal Williams from Portland.
The money that the Knicks handed Robinson back in 2022 is similar to what Williams will command on the open market.
Factor in Williams' ability to play a nearly identical defensive and rebounding role that Robinson does, and New York may have the perfect replacement available should its longest-tenured player walk this summer.
