With the Portland Trail Blazers struggling with an 8-18 record and being in the midst of a six-game losing streak, many expect the team to make a trade or two this season. The Trail Blazers have a plethora of intriguing trade candidates on the team. This includes players like Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and Robert Williams III. However, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the team is not “eager” to trade one of these top candidates just yet.
Fischer reported that the Trail Blazers could hang on to Williams amidst the trade rumors (subscription required). He mentions Williams’ contract and on-court fit as major reasons Portland may opt to keep him.
“If it’s not Valanciunas, Portland’s Robert Williams III stands as perhaps the most coveted center on this season’s trade market. He’s another player on the Lakers’ wishlist of bigs and renowned for his defensive presence. And because Williams is only in Year 3 of a four-year, $48 million deal, there’s been ongoing inbound interest for Portland to navigate despite Williams’ considerable injury history,” Fischer wrote.
Sources say that the Blazers, however, aren’t eager to part ways with Williams just yet. Portland has been bullish on Williams’ pick-and-roll partnership with the Blazers’ young guards since team officials, sources say, made acquiring Williams a priority as part of the return package for Jrue Holiday before the start of last season. If there’s any move coming in Portland’s crowded frontcourt — which also houses Deandre Ayton, Duop Reath, and recent No. 7 overall pick Donovan Clingan — it is not expected to come until much closer to the Feb. 6 deadline.”
Portland Trail Blazers Not ‘Eager’ to Move Top Trade Candidate
Robert Williams III’s Trail Blazers Career So Far
The 27-year-old is now in his second season in Portland. Last year, the Trail Blazers acquired Williams from the Boston Celtics for Jrue Holiday. Since then, however, Williams has had few opportunities to showcase his potential with the team. Williams appeared in just six games for Portland last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. After more than a year on the sidelines, Williams returned for Portland earlier this season.
On the year, Williams is averaging 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1 steal, and 1.6 blocks in eight games. When healthy, the Louisiana native is a legitimate defensive anchor who could benefit every team in the NBA. Unfortunately for Williams, injuries have derailed his career up to this point. Regardless, it is clear that he has a lot of talent. He played a crucial role in Boston’s NBA Finals run in 2022 and finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting that year. With Portland, he is aiming to get back to that version of himself to maximize his potential.
The Last Word
Hanging on to Williams could make sense for the Trail Blazers. He is a good fit on the court. Additionally, if the Trail Blazers decide to trade Williams down the line, it would make sense to give him the opportunity to increase his value for a potential trade ahead of February’s deadline.
