It was not easy for the Boston Celtics to part ways with Robert Williams in 2023. The explosive, rim-protecting big man—affectionately nicknamed “Time Lord” by Celtics fans after famously missing his introductory media conference call following his 2018 draft—had become a beloved figure in Boston. Yet the franchise made the difficult decision to include him in a trade that brought in Jrue Holiday, a move that proved instrumental in delivering the 2024 NBA championship.
Now, a compelling reunion scenario is emerging as Williams prepares to hit free agency.
A Career Revival in Portland
After struggling with chronic knee issues that limited him to just 26 games across his first two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Williams delivered a much-needed bounce-back campaign in 2025-26. He appeared in 59 games—the second-highest total of his career—averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots in 17.1 minutes per game. His impact was particularly noticeable in the postseason, where he posted strong numbers in Portland’s six-game first-round series against the Spurs: 9.6 points and 7.4 rebounds in 21.6 minutes while anchoring the defense.
The timing could hardly be better. Williams’ original four-year, $48 million contract with the Celtics has expired, and he enters unrestricted free agency riding a wave of renewed confidence and productivity.
Celtics’ Center Crisis Creates Opening
The Celtics find themselves in a delicate salary-cap situation. With a clear need for a quality defensive center after their recent playoff shortcomings, Boston is motivated to remain under the luxury tax this offseason—or at least position themselves to drop below it by the trade deadline.
According to league sources, one potential path involves moving versatile forward Sam Hauser. Such a move could create the financial flexibility needed to bring Williams back while retaining current big men Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. The team is expected to part ways with trade-deadline acquisition Nikola Vucevic.
Importantly, Williams would not be asked to return as a full-time starter. Instead, he would provide valuable depth and rim protection, addressing a glaring weakness that became evident during Boston’s postseason run. His athleticism, paint protection, and rebounding instincts would offer a perfect complementary piece alongside the team’s existing frontcourt.
High Demand Despite Injury History
Despite his injury concerns, Williams is expected to generate significant interest across the league. One Eastern Conference executive painted a clear picture of the market:
“He won’t have a shortage of offers. In part because you know what he can do when he is healthy—he can protect the paint, he is such a good rebounder, he can step out and guard, he is still very athletic. You put all that together and of course you’re going to have teams interested. But you’ve got the injury history so that is probably going to hold his price tag down—he can’t go out and ask for more than the mid-level.”
“That means you’re going to have 15 teams or so who either have cap space or the mid-level, and it is a pretty high percentage there that would want a big guy who can defend like him even if it is for 20 minutes a night. He will be popular out there.”
A Sentimental and Strategic Fit
For the Celtics, bringing back the Time Lord would represent both a strategic and emotional victory. Williams remains a fan favorite in Boston, and his return would inject familiar energy and defensive versatility into a roster looking to reload after a championship window that remains wide open.
While nothing is guaranteed, the pieces appear to be aligning for a potential homecoming. As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on whether Boston can navigate its cap constraints to re-sign one of its most beloved recent players.
The Celtics proved in 2023 that they were willing to make tough calls for long-term success. In 2026, they may have the opportunity to prove that some connections are worth revisiting.