The Portland Trail Blazers have reached a three-year, $44 million agreement with center Robert Williams, the team announced Tuesday afternoon. The deal was completed as a veteran extension hours before the start of free agency.
“Rob has proven to be one of the league’s most impactful defenders, bringing rim protection, rebounding, and versatility to our frontcourt,” general manager Joe Cronin said in a statement. “His veteran presence has helped establish a culture of tenacity, grit, and accountability with our young guys, and we are excited to have him continue to represent Rip City.”
Agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management confirmed the contract terms to ESPN’s Shams Charania earlier in the day. Williams, 28, had reportedly been seeking about $15 million annually and came close to that figure while remaining in Portland.
The 6-foot-9 center appeared in 59 games this season, averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes as the primary backup to Donovan Clingan. Injuries have limited Williams throughout his career, but he provided consistent rim protection during the Trail Blazers’ unexpected playoff run.
According to The Athletic, Williams contacted team officials within the past 24 hours to express his desire to stay, citing confidence in the organization’s direction and new head coach Micah Nori. Portland initially doubted it could fit Williams into its payroll but ultimately struck a deal that satisfied both sides.
The agreement removes one of the top available big men from the market before free agency officially opens, leaving teams such as the Lakers, Celtics, Nets and Pelicans with one fewer center option.
Cap expert Yossi Gozlan reports that Portland now sits roughly $14 million below the luxury-tax line. The club can still tap most of its $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, a $5.5 million bi-annual exception and multiple small trade exceptions to address remaining roster needs, particularly at forward after trading Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis in the Ja Morant deal.
The contract can be processed either as an extension before the league’s deadline late Tuesday or as a free-agent signing on July 6. If completed as an extension, Williams would be immediately trade-eligible under certain conditions, though there is no indication Portland plans to move him.
Source: Hoops Rumors
