While Jerami Grant will likely continue to draw plenty of trade interest, ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst believes another Portland Trailblazers is probably an easier target. The player Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast is very tradeable, and that is Robert “Time Lord” Williams III.
“Jerami Grant — he’s probably one of the guys in the league that teams will look at. But I would also say, with Donovan Clingan getting drafted there and Deandre Ayton on the roster, I don’t think Ayton is very tradable. A guy to watch who is very tradable is ‘The Time Lord,’ one of the great nicknames in the whole NBA, Robert Williams. Coming back from injury, he’s a guy who’s had repeated injury problems but makes $13 million. They may be willing to part with him, and he could go to a contender and be a significant piece if he is healthy.”
NBA Insider Expects ” The Time Lord” To Be Dealt and Could Be a Significant Contributor to a Contender, Who Could Be Interested?
Why is Portland looking/willing to unload valuable veterans?
Portland has struggled the past three seasons, totaling 81 victories, the third-fewest during this stretch. However, the Trail Blazers have compiled a nice assortment of talent. The Blazers have acquired Grant, Deandre Ayton, Williams, and, more recently, Deni Avdija. The Trail Blazers swapped Malcolm Brogdon for Avdija earlier this summer.
The Blazers also have youngsters who they are rebuilding around: Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and 2-2024 first-round selection Donovan Clingan.
While the Blazers are still in rebuilding mode, they should see significant improvement. However, the West will be ultra-competitive, so they may still not be good enough or ready to take the next step.
The Trail Blazers have 15 players under contract, 14 fully guaranteed, and a cap hit of $168.6 million. Dalano Banton is the only player without a fully guaranteed deal, although it becomes guaranteed on Opening night. If Banton does make the squad, the Blazers will be close to the luxury tax.
Moreover, the Trail Blazers have 13 players under contract and $170 million in cap space used for next year. The Blazers have considerable flexibility, with Matisse Thybulle, Henderson, Sharpe, and Kris Murray having player or team options.
What Robert Williams Brings To a Team?
Portland is loaded up front, particularly at center, with the addition of Clingman. Ayton is the starter, and Clingman will likely see some time after turning in a terrific defensive performance during the summer league. That will leave Williams and Duop Reath, who had a pretty solid rookie season, battling for the third center spot.
Williams can play power forward, though Grant is entrenched as the starter. Avdija could also see time at the four.
So, if the Trail Blazers decide to move one of the frontcourt players, Williams would make the most sense. The 26-year-old has two years and $25.6 million left on his deal.
“Honestly, the responsible thing to do for the Blazers is to trade him because … the responsible thing to do is to develop (Donovan) Clingan, who, by the way, could be an ace defensive player, too, said Windhorst. “He’s got the potential to do that.”
Williams is an athletically gifted, high-energy 6-9, 237-pound, undersized center who is an excellent rebounder, shot-blocker, and versatile defender. Offensively, he is limited and gets most of his points off put-backs or dunks. But he has developed his jump shot to the point where he is proficient from 16 feet and in.
However, Williams has only played in 41 games over the last two seasons, including six last year. Health has been an issue for Williams as he suffered another knee injury at the beginning of last November. It is the third time knee problems have cost Williams games in his career. Overall, he has not played more than 61 games in a season and only 215 over his six seasons.
Williams is expected to be a full go at training camp.
Who Could Be Interested in Williams?
Portland may not be in any hurry to deal with Williams if that is what they ultimately decide to do to get the best deal in return. They will also need to give teams that made significant moves this offseason a chance to figure out their own team. Plus, injuries may pop up, and other teams could become interested.
Here is a look at a few teams likely to monitor Williams progress.
New York Knicks
Windhorst mentioned that the New York Knicks were among the teams keeping their eyes on Williams.
“I think the Knicks will be among one of the teams monitoring him,” Windhorst said on NBA Today.
The Knicks’ interest makes a lot of sense, as the Knicks haven’t replaced Isaiah Hartenstein, who left for a bigger payday with Oklahoma City. As it stands right now, Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims are likely their main backup centers.
The Knicks are slated to be hard-capped at the second apron and currently have a market value of $181.3 million. Therefore, the Knicks may have to get creative in making a deal. They do have lots of future assets, so it is possible they can make a deal work.
Los Angeles Clippers
Ivica Zubac is entrenched as the Clippers’ starter, but according to Matt Levine of Sports Illustrated, they could use some additional size. Mo Bamba is the only other center on the roster, and their power forwards are undersized. The Clippers also have enough room to acquire Williams and remain below the second apron.
Houston Rockets
Houston showed some interest in Williams in the offseason. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and Williams has a relationship dating back to their days in Boston.
Houston has 15 players under fully guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. Steven Adams is slated to back up Alperen Sengun. Jock Landale and Jeff Green also can play the five.
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has 14 players under standard contract, 13 of whom are fully guaranteed and are $6.1 million beneath the second apron. Andre Drummond is projected to be Joel Embiid‘s primary backup. Adem Bona, a 2024 second-round draft pick, former first-rounder Guerschon Yabusele, and Kenyon Martin Jr. are the only other true frontcourt players on the roster.
Orlando Magic
Orlando has plenty of cap room, though, to make a trade, even though the Magic have 15 players under standard contracts. However, the Magic could use to revamp their second unit upfront, which currently consists of Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac. Isaac fits with the Magic youngsters, while Bitadze and Wagner are basically serviceable veterans.
Orlando has some tradeable chips and future assets. Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Gary Harris, and Tristan Da Silva immediately come to mind as players the Magic could use to trade for Williams.
