Following the acceptance of Brook Lopez’s team option, which was not a good decision given his flaws as a player, it is widely believed the LA Clippers chose to bring him back because there aren’t many options on the market who can still contribute for around $9 million annually. But Robert Williams just re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers on a three-year, $44 million deal. That figure is not much higher than the Clippers’ big man.
So, what exactly were the Clippers thinking? Williams is a prime example of an upgrade from Lopez that was available, yet they preferred the center who is not far from the age of 40, can’t really rebound, and shoots the three-ball at an above-average percentage.
That is extremely poor roster construction from Lawrence Frank, and it backs up why he’s heavily criticized by the NBA community.
The Clippers made a mistake by not letting Lopez go and pursuing Williams
If Robert Williams signed for an amount out of the LA Clippers’ budget, Lawrence Frank would’ve had a fair case to exercise Brook Lopez’s team option. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing the team-friendly financial option, as it can help the team make the appropriate calls in other areas.
However, the annual average of Williams’ latest deal is $14.6 million. This is a salary the Clippers could’ve paid him, and even a tad bit more.
In 2026, Williams is light-years better than Lopez. Sure, his availability might be a gamble, but he does everything a center is supposed to: finishing inside the paint, top-tier lob threat, excellent glass cleaner, and elite rim protector.
Just look at his averages this past season: 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, shooting an insane 70.8% from the field across 59 games.
And, in the film, he’s explosive, not easy to beat off the dribble defensively, moves with a purpose, and hustles like there’s no tomorrow.
To top it off, Williams is a decade younger than Lopez. That’s huge for a team like the Clippers, aiming to secure more youth on the roster.
That said, the Clippers should’ve made the decision everyone wanted them to on Lopez, and sent him on his way in unrestricted free agency without any hesitation.
This is something they’ll regret, big time, next season, as Lopez will quickly show the front office they could’ve found better in the summer, like Williams, on both sides of the ball.
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