Celtics trade rumors: Boston linked to Robert Williams reunion (report)

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Celtics trade rumors: Boston linked to Robert Williams reunion (report)

Souichi Terada · MassLive

Tue, Jan 13, 2026 ·

3 min read

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As the Celtics put together an unexpectedly solid season nearing the midway point of the 2025-26 campaign, it’s clear where the team could get an upgrade. The backup big man spot is one area the C’s could reasonably improve without making a huge swing with assets.

The C’s have already been linked to multiple big men on the trade market. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix pointed out two potential trade targets in a recent appearance on NBA on NBC . Notably, one of those names should sound plenty familiar to Celtics fans.

“The two big men that I’m looking at that I think the Celtics are looking at and have discussed internally are Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers center , and Robert Williams III, the time lord, the former Celtic, who is playing out in Portland ,” Mannix said. “... (Williams will) be somebody who can fit right in with what the Celtics are doing. He’s got familiarity with the personnel. He’s been very close over the years with Jayson Tatum . That’s somebody I think the Celtics will be keeping an eye on and maybe talking to Portland about in the weeks and months ahead.”

The Blazers are already set at the big man position with their recent draft picks. They selected Donovan Clingan at seventh overall in 2024 then Yang Hansen at 16th overall in 2025. Plus, Williams is on an expiring $13.3 million contract, so he’s a natural trade candidate considering his talent and availability.

Williams played for the Celtics from 2018-23 after getting picked 27th overall in the 2018 draft. When the big man was able to play, he was a force and helped unlock the Celtics defense. Williams was named to the All-Defensive Second Team for the 2021-22 season, his breakout campaign.

The Celtics moved Williams to the Trail Blazers as part of the first Jrue Holiday trade right before the 2023-24 season. But since then, he’s been bogged down by injuries and more injuries. He played in just 26 games over the prior two seasons due to numerous setbacks. But Williams has been able to stay relatively healthy this year, though he did have an injury scare with his knee the other night.

Neemias Queta has enjoyed a breakout season as a starter for the Celtics. The backup big position has been more of a question mark. Luka Garza has emerged as a solid backup option over the past month after rejoining the rotation. Josh Minott also played some small-ball center for stretches.

But Williams could be another backup option who doesn’t cost too much on the trade market. Zubac, for example, would cost real assets between players and draft picks. Williams could be a solid upgrade for the Celtics, though he does carry injury risk. Regardless, he’s an interesting name to monitor if he does get moved at the deadline, whether that’s to Boston or not.

“I don’t think they’re looking to offload someone like (Anfernee) Simons to get under the luxury tax,” Mannix said. “They’re doing seeing what you are seeing. They’re seeing a team that is locked in with a superstar in Jaylen Brown , who is at least a top-10 MVP guy. Maybe a top-5, at this point. A bunch of role players who have played exceedingly well.”

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