The Boston Celtics are at a crossroads this offseason, with whispers of major roster changes swirling around TD Garden. After a challenging 2024 and 2025 playoff run, where injuries plagued star center Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that could reshape their future. According to a June 3 MassLive report, a proposed deal would see Porzingis shipped to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for former fan favorite Robert Williams and defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle. With the departure of assistant GM Austin Ainge to the Utah Jazz and the looming possibility of the Jazz emerging as a “wild card” trade partner, Celtics president Brad Stevens faces his toughest test yet. Is this the trade that could keep Boston’s championship hopes alive, or is it a risky gamble? Let’s dive into the details.
The Trade Proposal: A Game-Changer for Boston?
The proposed trade, as outlined by Celtics insider Brian Robb, is straightforward but loaded with implications:
Celtics Get: Robert Williams, Matisse Thybulle
Trail Blazers Get: Kristaps Porzingis
Why This Makes Sense for Portland
For the Trail Blazers, acquiring Porzingis could be a significant offensive upgrade. His sharpshooting ability as a 7’3” center would stretch the floor, complementing Portland’s push to be more competitive next season. Robb notes that the Blazers are dealing with a “logjam in the frontcourt,” and Porzingis’ skill set could allow them to experiment with double-big lineups alongside players like Deandre Ayton. Additionally, Porzingis’ expiring contract minimizes risk—if the fit isn’t right, Portland can part ways with him in the 2026 offseason without long-term consequences.
What Boston Gains
For the Celtics, this trade brings back a familiar face in Robert Williams, a defensive anchor and fan favorite known as the “Time Lord” during his tenure in Boston. Williams’ rim protection and athleticism could stabilize the center position, especially given Porzingis’ persistent injury issues. Matisse Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive Team member, adds elite perimeter defense, addressing Boston’s need for versatility on the wing. However, both players have injury histories, which raises questions about whether this trade truly solves Boston’s reliability concerns.
The Risks Involved
Porzingis has been a polarizing figure in Boston. His ability to stretch the floor and score from all three levels is undeniable, but his frequent absences—missing significant time in both the 2024 and 2025 playoffs—have frustrated fans and raised doubts about his long-term fit. Trading him for Williams, who also struggles with injuries, could be seen as swapping one health risk for another. Thybulle’s defensive prowess is a bonus, but his offensive limitations might hinder Boston’s spacing. Brad Stevens, known for his calculated moves, must weigh whether nostalgia and defensive upside outweigh Porzingis’ offensive contributions.
Austin Ainge’s Departure: A New Challenge for Brad Stevens
Adding complexity to Boston’s offseason is the departure of assistant GM Austin Ainge, who has joined the Utah Jazz as President of Basketball Operations, per ESPN’s Shams Charania on June 2. Ainge’s 14-year tenure in Boston’s front office, including six as assistant GM, made him a key figure in roster construction. His exit places even greater pressure on Brad Stevens, whose track record as president has been stellar but is now tested by a critical offseason. Without Ainge’s input, Stevens’ decision-making will be under the microscope as he navigates trade talks and roster re-tooling.
The Utah Jazz Wild Card
Interestingly, the Jazz could play a pivotal role in Boston’s plans. According to MassLive, Utah showed interest in both Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in 2023 before they landed in Boston. With Ainge now leading their front office, the Jazz could rekindle their interest, particularly in Holiday, whose championship experience and two-way play make him a more reliable asset than the injury-prone Porzingis. If Utah emerges as a trade partner, it could complicate or even reshape the proposed deal with Portland, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the offseason.
What’s Next for the Celtics?
The Celtics are no strangers to bold moves, and this trade proposal signals a busy summer ahead. Whether it’s reuniting with Robert Williams, bolstering their defense with Thybulle, or exploring deals with wildcard teams like the Jazz, Boston’s front office has its work cut out. The fanbase, still buzzing from their 2024 championship run, is eager to see how Stevens balances sentimentality with strategy. One thing is certain: the 2025-26 Celtics roster will look significantly different.
The proposed trade sending Kristaps Porzingis to Portland for Robert Williams and Matisse Thybulle is a fascinating blend of risk, reward, and nostalgia. For Celtics fans, the return of the “Time Lord” would be an emotional homecoming, but questions linger about whether this deal truly addresses Boston’s needs. With Austin Ainge’s departure and the Utah Jazz looming as a potential trade partner, Brad Stevens faces a defining moment in his front-office tenure. Will he pull the trigger on this blockbuster, or will he find another path to keep Boston in title contention? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Celtics’ offseason is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. What do you think, Celtics Nation? Is this the trade that brings Boston back to the Finals, or should Stevens look elsewhere?