Injury-plagued center and former Boston Celtics player Robert Williams III is probable to be on the move at some point during the 2024-25 season from the Portland Trailblazers. What are some possible trade destinations, and does Williams still offer value despite his injury history?
3 Teams That Should Target Robert Williams in a Potential Trade
Robert Williams is Still a Solid Trade Prospect
Unfortunately, injury-plagued center Robert Williams III has suffered through several injury-riddled seasons throughout his NBA career. In his first five NBA seasons in Boston, Williams suffered significant injuries to his back and knee. His left knee required surgery twice, while a torn ligament in his right knee required his most serious surgery yet. Williams has played 60-plus games only once in his career, during the 2021-22 season.
Yet, despite an injury-plagued career thus far, Williams has proven to be a formidable center when healthy and on the floor. Williams was a force on the defensive end during his time in Boston. He gained praise for his rim protection, shot-blocking, and energy. His impact is still high value, and if the Portland Trailblazers move on from him, Williams should have plenty of options. A few teams need to address or at least entertain their center position.
New Orleans Pelicans
While a puzzling suggestion at first, considering that Zion Williamson commands so much space in the paint, especially on the offensive end, the Pelicans have to look at their center position as it relates to the Western Conference. Losing Jonas Valančiūnas in free agency left a gap at the center position regarding size, height, and a second big man. Teams like the Timberwolves and Thunder have multiple big men. Other teams, such as Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Domantas Sabonis, also have excellent centers. Adding another center alongside Zion would only help Zion and the Pelicans in the end. Regardless of his injury-plagued past, Williams’s ability to guard multiple positions would give the Pelicans a competitive advantage against stronger center-positioned teams.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have next to no secondary option to relieve Anthony Davis at the center position. No disrespect to Jaxson Hayes, but he is a depth center on most teams. Davis stated this week that he wants help and doesn’t want to be the only big man playing valuable minutes. Robert Williams is a player the Lakers have to look at. Adding another injury-plagued center next to an existing one in Davis is risky, yet Williams would fit with the Lakers. Additionally, a Davis/Williams pairing would position the Lakers better when playing the other dominant centers in the West. The Lakers must adhere to Davis’s remarks, especially if the team wants to compete this season, giving Davis the best chance of prolonged health and stability as the season progresses.
Sacramento Kings
The major acquisition of DeMar DeRozan this summer shouldn’t keep the Kings from doing more during the 2024-25 season. Domantas Sabonis is a stout and physical center with great rebounding abilities. His one major weakness is rim protection. Williams would counter that, as he is an excellent rim protector. He’s also more versatile than Sabonis is. Where Williams falls short on the offensive end, Sabonis does not. Williams could be the perfect counter to Sabonis’s shortcomings, provided his injury-plagued history doesn’t return to haunt him. The Kings are obviously going for it all this year, now that DeRozan is in the mix. Sacramento should seriously consider bringing Williams in for that reason. Williams, hopefully, a healthy and available Williams, would be a valuable asset come playoff time.
