NBA trade season is kicking into more movement in the coming days ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. That includes the Trail Blazers and what their plan is for Robert Williams III, who’s seen his name in trade rumors.
Some teams have already been connected to the former Celtics big man, and if a team wants him, the price tag has been revealed. Per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Williams is expected to cost multiple second-round picks on the trade market.
Portland shopping Williams comes as no surprise considering its big man situation. The Blazers already have a pair of centers in Deandre Ayton and first-round pick Donovan Clingan, so there are only so many minutes to go around.
Another factor, as always, is Williams' health. The big man has had issues being able to stay on the court. When he is available, he can change the game as evidenced by his time with the Celtics. But that just hasn’t been a guarantee at any point for Williams amid injury concerns.
Williams has played in 14 games (two starts) for the Blazers this year, averaging 6.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 16.9 minutes per game. He’s dealt with minor injuries that have popped up, though the team is also being cautious with him. Williams also missed nearly all of last year, playing in just six games, after needing right knee surgery.
Williams was originally traded to the Blazers last year in the Jrue Holiday deal right before the start of training camp. At this point, he doesn’t figure into the Blazers' long-term outlook as they shop him for draft capital going forward.
Contenders needing front-court help will naturally be moved by Williams' talent. He can’t be relied upon for heavy minutes, but his abilities could be a nice fit for a team looking to take that next step. The big man is also due $13.3 million in the final year of his contract next season. So it’ll be about balancing the price and risk on the trade market.
