The Boston Celtics have defied every doubter this 2025-26 season. After trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason, and with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the entire year, many pundits wrote off the defending champions. Yet here they are, sitting at 18-11—one of the NBA’s biggest surprises—proving depth, grit, and coaching can overcome roster upheaval. Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the alpha, while Neemias Queta has emerged as a legitimate starting center with strong defensive instincts. But as the season progresses and the playoffs loom, Boston’s lack of frontcourt depth could become their Achilles’ heel.
That’s where a potential blockbuster reunion comes into play: bringing back Robert Williams from the Portland Trail Blazers. The Athletic and other outlets have floated Williams as a realistic trade candidate, and for good reason. Portland sits at 12-18—respectable but far from contender status—and with young big man Yang Hansen developing rapidly, Williams’ role could shrink. His expiring $13.3 million contract this season makes him an attractive asset for a rebuilding team looking to flip him for future value.
Williams, 28, has battled injuries this year but remains a rim-protecting force when healthy. In limited action for Portland, he’s averaging 6.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his signature athleticism, shot-blocking, and rebounding instincts. Boston fans remember him fondly from his first five seasons with the Celtics, where he was a key piece of their 2022 title run and earned the nickname “Time Lord” for his ability to erase shots at the rim.
For the Celtics, Williams would be a perfect bench upgrade. Queta has been solid defensively, but Boston needs more reliable size and rim protection off the bench to handle physical playoff series. Williams’ familiarity with the system, coach Joe Mazzulla, and teammates like Brown and Derrick White would make the transition seamless. A return to Boston could reinvigorate his career, giving him a chance to play meaningful minutes in a championship chase.
What would a trade look like? The Celtics have young assets and draft picks to offer. A package centered on Payton Pritchard (a valuable bench scorer), Sam Hauser (a 3-and-D specialist), and a future first-round pick could intrigue Portland. The Blazers get immediate help and future flexibility, while Boston adds a proven big who fits their identity. Williams’ injury history is a risk, but at his salary and with his upside, it’s a calculated gamble worth taking.
The Celtics’ current success is impressive, but true contenders need depth that can weather the grind. Robert Williams’ return could be the move that pushes Boston back into Finals territory—reuniting the “Time Lord” with his old squad for one more championship run. With the trade deadline approaching, Celtics GM Brad Stevens should be on the phone. This isn’t just a depth add; it’s a storybook reunion that could define the season.