NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics not willing to trade Robert Williams in KD deal?

NBA Trade Rumors: According to a recent report, the Boston Celtics are keeping Robert Williams off limits in talks with the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant.

Over the last few days, the Kevin Durant narrative has certainly transformed a bit. There are now a few more teams added to his preferred list as it was reported that he’d be open to a trade to either the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers, in addition to his original list that included the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.

He also made it quite clear, reportedly, in a meeting with Nets owner Joe Tsai. If all that has been reported recently is in fact accurate, there could be movement on a possible Durant trade soon. At least for now, though, nothing has really progressed.

Nevertheless, it appears that the market for Durant could heat up once again soon. Especially if teams like the Celtics and Sixers are involved.

The Celtics certainly have the assets to acquire Durant. With Jaylen Brown as a centerpiece, Boston has other pieces that could potentially work to build a nice, strong offer. Including future draft picks.

However, according to a recent report, the Celtics want to hold off on adding Robert Williams to any deal for Durant. And they probably should.

Williams is on one of the best contracts in the league, set to make less than $14 million per season in each of the next four seasons. And over the last year, he’s developed into arguably the best defender in the league and one of the better rim-runners.

He probably wins the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award if he doesn’t get injured. And even as a shell of himself in the postseason, he was a menace on both ends of the floor when he was healthy and playing.

The Celtics make a lot of sense for Durant and if they could land him by not trading Robert Williams, it could go a long way in securing that they are a title favorite, once again, heading into this upcoming season.