Boston Celtics: Extend or trade on 3 summer 2022 free agents

Boston Celtics’ 2022 free agent to extend or trade #3: Robert Williams

With Al Horford in town, it’s unclear what direction new head coach Ime Udoka will go in with his lineups. Is Horford going to revert back to the small-ball center role he thrived in with the OKC Thunder or will he be primarily paired alongisde a big like he was with Aron Baynes back in his last Celtics stint?

If it’s the former and the team goes small–and this possibility becomes more realisitc if Boston re-signs Evan Fournier in free agency–Williams will remain a backup as he has been for the majority of his entire career.

Udoka could also deploy Williams and Horford together, giving the team the most formidable frontcourt they’ve had since…well since Horford was last a Celtic.

If that happens, Williams is clearly ticketed to be the center of the future in Beantown. Better yet, a big with a similar game,Moses Brown, will be his primary backup, and he is on the books for several more seasons.

If he is the center of the future, an extension could be due soon. Given Jayson Tatum’s affinity for Williams, expect the Time Lord to be in green come opening night this fall…and possibly beyond.

Verdict: Extend