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Williams signs $44M extension to stay in Portland

ESPN NBA •
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Portland confirmed that Robert Williams III inked a three‑year, $44 million extension, locking the 28‑year‑old center through the 2028‑29 season. Agent Kevin Bradbury disclosed the deal after Williams logged 59 regular‑season games and all five playoff contests in a first‑round exit to San Antonio. His durability this year finally matched the team’s need for a rim protector.

Williams posted 6.7 points, seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 70% from the floor. Those numbers underscore his role as the Blazers’ defensive anchor, a reputation built on a career 72% field‑goal clip and 1.6 blocks per outing. The extension signals Portland’s confidence that his body can sustain the workload that has eluded him in past campaigns.

Portland also retains fellow big men Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen for the upcoming season, creating a front‑court trio that blends youth with veteran poise. Williams’ postseason pedigree, including six starts in the 2022 NBA Finals with Boston, adds experience that the Blazers lacked in their recent playoff push.

The contract not only rewards Williams for staying healthy but also gives the Blazers a stable interior presence as they chase a deeper postseason run. With his shot‑blocking and high‑percentage scoring secured, Portland can focus on surrounding him with complementary talent.