Overview
- The three-year, $44 million extension was confirmed Tuesday when Williams' agent Kevin Bradbury told ESPN's Shams Charania that the center will remain with the Trail Blazers through the 2028-29 season.
- Williams played a healthier 2025-26 season, appearing in 59 games and averaging 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game.
- His contract keeps a proven rim protector in Portland despite a long injury history that includes a torn meniscus, a patellar dislocation and a left knee arthroscopy.
- Portland moved to complete the deal before the new league fiscal year and free-agency window, reflecting a front-office plan to secure short-term frontcourt stability while younger centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen remain under contract.
- The extension removes Williams from the open market and ends the most realistic path to a Celtics reunion while prompting teams such as Boston, the Lakers and the Knicks to shift their offseason targeting for centers.