Robert Williams draws interest from contenders as Portland weighs its options
As the NBA prepares for free agency, Robert Williams has emerged as one of Portland's key decisions. Players whose contracts expire can begin formal talks with any team on July 1, though clubs are already allowed to negotiate with their own free agents. According to Marc Stein, Williams would like to stay with the Trail Blazers for now, but several contenders are also monitoring him, including the Lakers, who are looking for a backup center.
Williams, 29, spent last season with Portland after arriving from Boston and became an important reserve at center. In the playoffs, he averaged 21.6 minutes per game. His recent years have been slowed by injuries, but he managed to appear in 59 games this season after playing only 26 games combined over the previous two seasons.
He earned $13.2 million this season and could seek a similar salary on his next deal. Portland still does not have a coach for next season, a factor that could affect his future with the club.
Williams is not the only pending free agent on the roster. Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley are also set to come off contract, while Portland holds team options on Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan and Kris Murray, all of whom are expected to remain with the team in 2026/27.
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