Just two years ago, Robert Williams was a key part of the Boston Celtics playing their way to the top of the league, utilizing his elite defensive presence to help propel them to an NBA Finals berth.
But two knee surgeries and one season later, he may be more expendable than most people realize, as his talent has been overwhelmed by an inability to stay on the court.
Looking at this past season, it’s easy to forget just how many games Williams missed. He appeared in 35 regular season games for the Celtics, and his minutes dropped significantly.
5 Robert Williams trades for the Boston Celtics to consider this summer
At his peak, Williams is one of the most impactful defenders in the league, but it was clear the knee surgeries took a toll on him this past season, making him much less effective. This isn’t to say Williams can’t get back to where he once was. A full offseason of work could have him back and better than ever, ready to help the Celtics compete for a title again next year. And on his current contract, the Celtics have a steal. Investing in Williams’ future could be key to their success moving forward.
However, he’s also one of their most valuable trade assets, as his Defensive Player of the Year potential and reasonable contract could make him a top target for opposing sides. Trading Williams shouldn’t be a priority for Boston, nor should they feel obliged to field trade offers for the star big man. But they also shouldn’t turn down trade calls for him.
Here are five Williams trades that could make sense for the Celtics this offseason.