Boston Celtics: 3 Robert Williams trades this offseason

The Boston Celtics may not be done dealing yet, and if they look to continue making improvements for their roster, these three trades would maximize the return for Robert Williams.

At this point, Robert Williams may be of more use for other teams than he would be for the Boston Celtics. While many would point to the big man’s team-friendly contract as a reason why he should be retained, the Houdini retorts with this:

What role would he have on this year’s team that would be different than the one Tristan Thompson is about to have?

Thompson, known for being an iron man through his few seasons–missing only six games in his first five years, all in his rookie year–does all the things Williams does on the floor. While the “Time Lord” has a more consistent jump shot, Thompson is being paid $9.5 a year for the next two seasons to be the starting center or a high-usage backup.

Williams could be used to add to the team’s wing depth, especially in the wake of Tacko Fall signing his second two-way contract with the Cs.

With the following three trades, we do just that:

Why the Boston Celtics do it:

Swapping Robert Williams out for another player who can capably play the 5 in P.J. Tucker is a good way to make the Cs a more competitive team in 2020-21. Tucker holds more value and a higher salary than Williams, so adding a two-way floor-spacer in Semi Ojeleye to directly replace him would almost certainly get the deal done.

Adding Carsen Edwards could help clear a roster spot to use in free agency.

Why the Houston Rockets do it

Since Houston is no longer playing with a five-out lineup, his value to the Rockets lowers significantly. Especially since Christian Wood should absorb most of the minutes at the power forward spot.

Bringing on a young stud in Robert Williams–who could serve the same role Clint Capela did in the past few years–is the perfect way to add young talent to a roster that could use a plan if James Harden forces his way out of Houston.