The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads as Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency looms on June 30, 2025. With the young forward’s future uncertain, the franchise is already making waves in the trade market, targeting a two-way center to bolster their roster. ESPN’s Bobby Marks recently proposed a blockbuster move that could see the Warriors flip Moses Moody to the New York Knicks for defensive stalwart Mitchell Robinson. However, Robinson’s offensive limitations—never attempting a 3-pointer in seven NBA seasons and being targeted for intentional fouls during the Knicks’ playoff run—make him a questionable fit for Golden State’s dynamic system. Instead, the Warriors are eyeing a bolder, high-upside trade that could redefine their frontcourt.
Enter Robert Williams III, the Portland Trail Blazers’ 27-year-old defensive dynamo. A trade sending Moody, whose $37.5 million contract over three years carries a $13.45 million cap hit next season, to Portland for Williams, who earns $13.29 million in the final year of his $48 million deal, aligns perfectly in terms of salary. This swap would allow Golden State to take a calculated gamble on a player with elite two-way potential without long-term financial risk.
Williams may not stretch the floor like veteran bigs Brook Lopez or Al Horford, both free agents whose availability remains uncertain until Kuminga’s situation is resolved. However, what Williams lacks in shooting he more than makes up for with his explosive athleticism and defensive versatility. A premier rim-runner and lob threat, Williams thrives in the paint, finishing plays with thunderous dunks. On the defensive end, he’s a rim-protecting force who can switch onto perimeter players, making him a perfect fit for Golden State’s switch-heavy schemes. His 2021-22 season with the Boston Celtics, where he played 61 games, earned second-team All-Defense honors, and finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting, showcased his potential as a game-changer.
The catch? Williams’ health. Over the past three seasons, he’s appeared in just 61 games due to recurring injuries. Yet, when healthy, he’s a defensive beast capable of anchoring a championship-caliber defense. For the Warriors, this trade represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If Williams stays healthy, he could form a devastating frontcourt alongside Draymond Green, unlocking new defensive possibilities while adding a vertical threat in the pick-and-roll. If injuries persist, Golden State can part ways after the 2025-26 season with no financial burden.
Marks also floated Williams as a target for the Los Angeles Lakers, suggesting a package of Gabe Vincent, Jordan Goodwin, and a second-round pick. However, the Warriors’ proposed deal with Moody is cleaner, requiring no additional assets to match salaries. This move would signal Golden State’s intent to compete now while keeping future flexibility intact.
As the Warriors navigate Kuminga’s contract and reshape their roster, trading Moody for Williams could be the audacious swing that shocks the NBA. It’s a gamble on a player with All-Defense pedigree, one that could propel Golden State back into title contention—or allow them to pivot seamlessly if it doesn’t pan out.