While health is always the main factor with Robert Williams III, he has managed to stay on the court for the past few weeks. He dealt with a knee issue heading into training camp, making his season debut on Halloween. Since then, he’s played in 12 games, showing why he’s such an intriguing talent.
Williams is, as expected, back in trade rumors. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer on The Stein Line, the Trail Blazers sound like they could move the big man. Williams is on an expiring $13.3 million contract, so it’s no surprise to see he’s a tradable piece.
“I’ve also been told that Portland is forecasted to be more willing to move Robert Williams III this season compared to last season,” Fischer wrote, “when the Trail Blazers maintained a high asking price for the oft-injured big man.”
Williams was in trade rumors last season, though no deal ever materialized. The price tag was likely a factor as teams wouldn’t want to give up many assets for an often-injured big man. But with Williams on an expiring deal, Portland could just try to grab whatever it can on the market.
When Williams is healthy, he’s a versatile big man who’s swatting shots consistently. He was an All-Defensive Second Team selection for the 2021-22 season, when he broke out with the Celtics. But he’s been rarely healthy since then, combining to play just 61 games in the past three full seasons.
But any team looking to bolster their big man depth could take the risk for Williams. He likely won’t command a high price tag. Williams is also a game-breaking talent when utilized correctly. The trade market is still relatively cool ahead of February’s trade deadline, but it’ll start to heat up in the coming weeks.