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NBA Rumor: Former Boston Celtics Big Man Could Be Traded

Rumors and reports suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers may be a team to keep an eye on just two weeks before the NBA trade deadline. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, after six games with the franchise, the Blazers may trade former Boston Celtics first-round pick Robert Williams.

In October, the Blazers acquired Williams, as well as reigning Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, from the Celtics in exchange for Jrue Holiday.

Williams had right knee surgery in November, which ruled him out for the rest of the season. In six games with the Trail Blazers, the Louisiana native averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.

There is no disputing that when healthy, Williams is a formidable big man. Williams’ greatest season yet, 2021-22, saw him average 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game in 61 games, earning him his first All-Defensive Second Team honor. All of these statistics, including the amount of games played, remain career highs for “Time Lord.” However, this is the most serious concern about Williams. Williams has appeared in only 215 regular season games over the course of six NBA seasons. He’s missed more games than he has played since being chosen in 2018.

Williams’ injury history is well-documented, which could be why Portland trades the big man.

However, the Trail Blazers do not appear to be actively shopping Williams, and they may simply be open to the concept of a trade, according to Haynes:

The Blazers will be really open. That is not open for dispute. They will be open if the correct agreement is reached. … Robert Williams is someone who is absolutely accessible.

Furthermore, the Trail Blazers have a 12-31 record, which is the second-worst in the Western Conference. Portland is not a title contender and may be open to purchasing other assets.

Where Might Williams End Up?

So yet, very few rumors have linked Williams to other NBA teams. He is technically sidelined for the rest of the 2023-24 season, therefore any team that acquires him will not see him play until the following season. The Houston Rockets, led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, are a squad to watch. Haynes predicts that the Rockets may be “in the mix” for Williams:

“Ime Udoka has always, and still remains very fond of Robert Williams,” Haynes told me. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if Houston is in the mix.”

The Rockets already have a strong big-man duo: Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün. However, there is little depth behind them. Houston is a youthful club that is not always in “win-now mode.” This, combined with Udoka’s familiarity with Williams from his time in Boston, makes the fit obvious.

Williams may still be with the Trail Blazers. However, with a February 8 trade deadline, Portland does not have much time to make a decision.