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Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are entering a transition year with their center rotation in flux. Kristaps Porziņģis was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks. Luke Kornet and Al Horford also moved on. That leaves Boston testing a mix of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Amari Williams, and Chris Boucher to see who can stick.
But if that group doesn’t fully answer the question, another option could surface next summer. A reunion with Robert Williams III remains a possibility, offering Boston a familiar solution in the middle.
Williams’ Impact in Boston
At his peak, Williams was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and a force who raised Boston’s ceiling. His rim protection, lob threat, and short-roll playmaking supercharged the Celtics’ schemes. During his two most productive years, Boston reached the NBA Finals and then the Eastern Conference Finals. His chemistry with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown was seamless.
On paper, he still looks like a snug fit for Boston. But availability will always be the catch.
Williams’ Time After the Celtics
After his trade to the Portland Trail Blazers, injuries again limited his runway. He played just 26 games across two seasons in Portland, and his effectiveness has always hinged on explosiveness and timing.
That said, the upside hasn’t disappeared. If he can stay healthy and regain functional burst, Williams’ impact should return quickly. His feel in Boston’s system is already proven. If medicals check out and the minutes are sustainable, his market could line up with what the Celtics can afford.
How the Celtics Could Make It Work
Boston projects to have access to the full mid-level exception next summer — roughly $15 million to start. While they may not spend it all on Williams, he could be worth a team-friendly swing.
It will still hinge on health. The front office also has to evaluate its in-house options. Queta has breakout buzz. Garza’s offense might demand minutes if his defense holds. If either hits, the urgency to add a veteran big drops.
The Verdict
A reunion with Robert Williams III makes basketball sense — if the price and health align. Boston shouldn’t overspend. But a low-risk, high-reward deal using the MLE could give them back a defensive anchor and a locker-room fit.
For a Celtics team planning a quick turnaround once Tatum returns, betting on a known commodity could be the kind of calculated swing that pays off.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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