Rob Williams III of the Blazers to the Knicks?
Rob Williams III of the Blazers to the Knicks?
It’s possible that the Portland Trail Blazers, who include center Robert Williams III among their experienced players, are fielding trade requests.
After rupturing his patellar tendon and requiring surgery that kept him out of the game for the remainder of the season, Williams appeared in just six games for the Blazers this season.
Just prior to training camp, Williams was dealt by the Boston Celtics to the Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday’s move to Beantown.
However, John Hollinger of The Athletic now thinks Williams would return to the east coast and sign with the New York Knicks.
Robert Williams III, a Portland resident, is the other person who theoretically fits every description. Once more, that’s another situation where the Knicks may want to wait to evaluate him until the end of the season to see whether he can play consistently longer than a week or two.
The Knicks would love to add Williams to their lineup in a healthy state. The Knicks have a lot of uncertainty at center after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency. Although Mitchell Robinson is present, he has also recently struggled with injuries, and the team does not have any other established big men.
The Knicks might go after Williams since he began for the Celtics during their run to the NBA Finals two years ago. But for the next season and beyond, they have to ensure that that version of him—or at least someone somewhat like him—is achievable.