NBA trade rumors are circulating around Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, despite his season-ending injury. The former Boston Celtics player, now with the Blazers, underwent surgery on his right knee, concluding his season after just six games. Despite ongoing health issues, the 26-year-old 6-foot-9 center has become a trade target for some teams ahead of the February 9th trade deadline, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
On his This League podcast, Haynes disclosed, “There are some teams that are pondering making a move for Robert Williams. I know Robert Williams is out for the season, had another surgery on his right knee, but teams feel like he would be somebody that could get on the cheap right now and allow him to continue recovering, continue rehabbing, in hopes that next season, he can blossom back into the Robert Williams that we’ve seen when he was playing at a high level with the Boston Celtics.”
Williams, traded from the Celtics in the offseason, has faced injury setbacks in both the current and previous seasons. Despite his absence, teams see potential value in acquiring him at a lower cost, anticipating his recovery for the next season. The Celtics traded Williams, along with two future first-round picks and Malcolm Brogdon, for Jrue Holiday, who has significantly contributed to their successful campaign with a league-best 34-10 record.
Contrastingly, the Blazers are struggling, currently standing at 12-30 and in the bottom of the Western Conference. Portland, having traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, is open to trade discussions, with Williams being identified as an available asset. Before his injury, Williams showcased his skills, averaging 6.8 points, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 6.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game. While a small sample size, his potential when healthy might entice other teams to take a chance on him before the trade deadline.
