The Boston Celtics ended up with three rookies in the 2025 NBA Draft. After selecting Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez in the first round, the Celtics drafted Kentucky center Amari Williams and VCU guard Max Shulga with their second-round picks. While Boston is reportedly bringing Gonzalez over immediately, what role Williams and Shulga will play in the 2025-26 Celtics remains to be seen.
It is not only the Celtics who are going through significant changes this offseason. The Portland Trail Blazers, who just acquired Jrue Holiday from Boston a few days ago, are continuing their active summer. Their draft moves, however, don't bode well for one former Celtics fan favorite.
Robert Williams III Will Likely Be Traded After Blazers Select Hansen Yang in the NBA Draft
Heading into the draft, Portland had the 11th-overall pick. They moved down to No. 16 and selected a 7'2" center from China, Hansen Yang. This was considered one of the biggest reaches of the draft, and the fact that the Blazers did that means they will be more than willing to let Robert Williams III go this offseason.
The Blazers already have last year's lottery selection, Donovan Clingan, on the roster. Deandre Ayton and his massive $35.5 million salary is still on the books for next season. Assuming that they want to give their new rookie a shot as well, there is simply no room for Williams in the rotation.
Williams continues to have injury concerns as he played a total of 26 games for Portland over the last two seasons. As unreliable as he is, he is still only 27 years old. He is on an expiring contract of $13.2 million for next season, making him a potentially attractive trade chip for that reason alone.
Rather than paying $13.2 million for their fourth center in the rotation, the Blazers are likely better off moving him for whatever they can get on the market. Where he ends up now that the NBA Draft is officially wrapped up and the trade market heats up will be fascinating to watch for Celtics fans.