The Blazers are expected to be one of the more active teams on the NBA trade market this season after a 8-16 start and a familiar face for Celtics fans could be one name on the move. According to Shams Charania of ESPN.com, Robert Williams is drawing trade interest already from potential suitors along with veterans Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons.
Williams has only played seven games this year after getting a late start to his year following knee surgery recovery. The 27-year-old has played well in his appearances, averaging 9.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game but he has not played since Nov. 25 after suffering a concussion in a loss against the Grizzlies.
Williams is likely one of the more appealing trade names on the Blazers despite his durability concerns thanks to his contract. He currently has two years left on his deal, earning just a modest $12.4 million this year and $13.28 million next season. That’s a sharp contrast from the sizable salaries of Grant ($29.7 million) and Simons ($25.8 million). That duo may be tougher to deal for several playoff teams due to the tighter trade restrictions on teams this year above the first and second apron. Williams’ salary which sits around the mid-level exception should be an easier fit into the budget of teams that are already dipping into the luxury tax.
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The Lakers have been a rumored suitor of Williams from earlier this season and there are several Eastern Conference teams that could use an upgrade at center including the Pacers. Indiana waived Moses Brown on Monday and currently have no healthy backup center on the roster after season-ending injuries hit Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman.
NBA trade season will officially kick off on Dec. 15 when trade restrictions are lifted for most roster players around the league including free agents signed during the past season. Don’t look for the Celtics to kick the tires on Williams since very minimal salary to move that’s not already a part of their core.