Former Boston Celtics player Robert Williams III could potentially find himself back in the Eastern Conference championship race, but this time as a member of the New York Knicks.
According to Celtics analyst Brian Robb of MassLive.com, there’s a chance Williams might be traded to the Knicks to address their ongoing issues with frontcourt depth. With Isaiah Hartenstein gone and Mitchell Robinson recovering from ankle surgeries, New York is actively seeking a backup center.
In response to a fan question about the possibility of Williams returning to the Celtics, Robb suggested that the Knicks might be a more likely destination. “The real concern for Celtics fans is whether Williams might end up strengthening a playoff rival if he returns to full health,” Robb noted. “The Knicks could definitely use more help in the frontcourt, though adding another injury-prone player behind Robinson might not be ideal. Additionally, the Pelicans could also use a big man after losing Jonas Valanciunas.”
Since Williams’ departure, Portland’s situation in the paint has changed. With Donovan Clingan, a two-time national champion from Connecticut, joining the team as the seventh overall pick in last month’s draft, Williams, along with his contract (which has two years remaining at just under $26 million), might become expendable.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle of the New York Knicks has been the subject of trade rumors due to his expiring contract and lack of a new long-term deal. Fred Katz of The Athletic reports that the Knicks are currently not looking to trade the 29-year-old star. Randle will make about $29 million in the 2024-25 season and has a $30.9 million player option for the following summer. If the Knicks wish to keep him long-term, they could offer an extension worth up to $181.5 million over four years, but no agreement is imminent.
Randle, who made his third NBA All-Star appearance in the 2023-24 season, averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. However, his season ended early due to a right shoulder injury sustained on January 27 against the Miami Heat.
Ideally, the Knicks would like to retain Randle, but financial constraints might make a new contract extension challenging.
