Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal 

Admittedly, this could get messy when Williams III returns. In that event, the Celtics would have three starting caliber big men in Poeltl, Williams III, and Al Horford. 

That shouldn’t stop them from doing this deal. Firstly, Williams III’s body is simply too unreliable to base plans around. The Celtics need to be prepared for the event he gets injured again. 

Moreover, there could be room for all three of them in the rotation. After all, Horford is a combo big who’s entirely comfortable at the 4.

Williams could be the starter, Poeltl could be his backup, and Horford could still find 20 or more minutes per game slotting in at both positions. 

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For that matter, Williams III’s defensive versatility could even make him a viable pairing with Poeltl for short stretches. All told, this deal gives the Celtics a great deal of flexibility in their frontcourt. 

It also gives them a little bit of insurance in the process.