Former Boston Celtics starter poised to be traded by new team in next seven months

Former Boston Celtics starter Robert Williams III is projected to be traded by Blazer's Edge's Adrian Bernecich sometime in the next seven months due to the presence of Deandre Ayton and first-round pick Donovan Clingan ahead of him on the depth chart.

"The Blazers probably look to start Ayton with Clingan as his reserve, leaving minimal time for Williams at the five and a smattering of minutes at the four," Bernecich prefaced before saying, "It’s not ideal but it allows the Blazers to get playing time to the guys that need it.

"Williams is poised to be traded at some point over the next seven months as long as he’s healthy. I’d advise against doing it right now unless the perfect deal came along. Ideally, they let him increase his value, regardless of fit, given the franchise's lack of urgency to win basketball games."

This runs counter to the narrative Oregon Live's Aaron Fentress relayed back in May ahead of the 2024 NBA draft and the selection of Clingan with Portland's lottery pick.

"The Portland Trail Blazers remain in the early stages of rebuilding, but one position that appears the most solidified is center with Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III and Duop Reath," Fentress wrote. "It’s a versatile group that will provide coach Chauncey Billups with a variety of options to work with led by Ayton, a unique offensive threat and rebounding machine, backed by Williams, a high-end defensive presence."

Robert Williams III justified the Boston Celtics trading him in 2023

The Time Lord was mostly absent from the Trail Blazers' lineup in 2023-24, playing a total of six games. It's hard to say that Joe Mazzulla's rotation missed him after he was made a reserve in his final year in Boston after starting alongside Al Horford under Ime Udoka.

Williams' time with the Cs was clearly at its wit's end, but Boston has little reason to regret giving him up given the results for both parties.

Brad Stevens hasn't had buyer's remorse in a while. The players he sends out, like Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Williams, and Romeo Langford, have injuries and don't reach the same level as they did in a Celtics uniform.

Meanwhile, Banner 18 is won. The future is bright in Boston, but those left behind have been struggling to find their way.