Robert Williams is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about centers in free agency, with ESPN’s Bobby Marks saying the former Boston big man is “the one name that picked up the most buzz” among teams in Chicago last week.
Marks said Williams is the player he would circle on a free-agent wish list because of what he can do on both ends. “That would be the guy,” Marks said, via HoopsHype, adding that Williams gives teams “that shot blocker, that rim protector, that guy that can lob threat for Luka Doncic.”
The interest comes with a clear warning label. Williams, 28, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after his four-year, $48 million deal expires, and availability has been the biggest concern throughout his career.
“You have to be cautious with that because of his games availability, the minutes,” Marks said. Even so, he noted that Williams “guarded [Victor Wembanyama] probably one of the best certainly in the playoffs in the first round,” a reminder of how disruptive the 6-foot-9 center can be when healthy.
That defensive ceiling explains the buzz. Williams has long been valued as a mobile rim protector who can erase mistakes behind the defense, and his fit next to high-level playmakers is obvious because of his ability to finish as a lob threat.
The market is the next question. Marks estimated the range at around $12 million to $13 million annually, while pointing to teams such as Atlanta, Boston and the Clippers as possible suitors with spending room.
Williams spent the 2025-26 season with the Portland Trail Blazers and played 59 regular-season games, averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game. He shot 70.8% from the field, showing how efficient he can be around the rim when he is on the floor.
Portland also leaned on him in the playoffs, where he appeared in five games and averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.6 minutes.
