The Golden State Warriors’ center depth is admittedly thin heading into the 2025-26 season, even in the event that the franchise adds 2024 NBA champion and 5-time All-Star Al Horford in free agency.
Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and especially Draymond Green can benefit from a defensive-minded big man that can block shots and finish precise lob passes. Unfortunately, the 39-year-old Horford does not fit that exact bill.
In an effort to land a younger and more athletic frontcourt option, it’s plausible to believe that Golden State’s general manager Mike Dunleavy could contact the Portland Trail Blazers’ front office to swing a deal for their talented, but injury-prone trade chip, Robert Williams III.
According to recent reports, Williams III should become a valued trade target leading up to this season’s trade deadline. As a result, plenty of contenders, including the Warriors, might come calling in the near future.
“Robert Williams III is one of the NBA’s most tantalizing big men when healthy,” ClutchPoints’ Rohan Brahmbhatt wrote Tuesday.
“His rim protection, lob-finishing ability, and defensive IQ make him a game-changer in short bursts.”
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“From Portland’s perspective, trading Williams sooner rather than later could prevent another year of injury-related disappointment.”
“If they can package him for a younger, more durable frontcourt player or future draft capital, it could free up minutes for Yang Hansen’s development and keep the team’s trajectory clear.”
For the Warriors to complete a hypothetical deal of this nature, the franchise could ship a package including Buddy Hield and future draft compensation to Portland.
At just 27 years old, Williams III has developed into one of the most dominant defensive big men in the entire NBA when health persists.
In just 20 appearances for the Trail Blazers in 2024-25, the 6-foot-9 leaping center contributed 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while registering an impressive 3.2 defensive box plus-minus.
Williams III enjoyed a relatively short peak as a former member of the Boston Celtics in 2021-22, when he finished at No. 7 in Defensive Player of the Year voting and nabbed an All-Defensive Second Team selection.
A defensive trio of Butler, Green and Williams III would likely rock the Western Conference if the former No. 27 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft were to put forth a healthy season, possibly making this idea a tempting one for Golden State’s front office.
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