Trail Blazers center would elevate the Knicks to new heights

The New York Knicks have yet to replace Isaiah Hartenstein after losing him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. They will likely take their time scouring the trade market before pushing for a new backup big man, or they could wait until the buyout market heats up in January and February.

If the Knicks are willing to take a dice roll, The Athletic's John Hollinger believes Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers could be a strong fit in Tom Thibodeau's system.

“The other guy who theoretically checks all the boxes is Robert Williams III in Portland,” Hollinger wrote on Aug. 5. “Again, that’s another one where the Knicks probably want to let the season play out and see if he can stay in the lineup for more than a week or two consecutively.”

Williams has struggled with health throughout his career, missing all but six games of last season due to another round of knee surgery. As such, trading for him and the remaining balance of his $48 million deal is a risky move.

Nevertheless, when Williams is healthy, he's one of the most impactful rim-runners in the NBA. He's a borderline Defensive Player of the Year candidate and among the most explosive lob threats in the NBA. He would instantly anchor New York's second unit on both sides of the ball. He's also one of the most underrated passers in the entire NBA.

The Trail Blazers have a surplus of big men. Deandre Ayton and the recently drafted Donovan Clingan project to get the majority of available minutes. Therefore, if Williams can prove his health in a limited role, he could be the ideal "buy-low" prospect the Knicks are looking for.

Still, Williams' salary could be an issue. He's set to earn $12.5 million in the upcoming season and $13.3 the following year. New York would have to send out a similar level of salary to avoid flirting with the luxury-tax line and the aprons associated with it.

Williams could solve multiple problems for New York's bench unit; the question is whether they're willing to take a risk on his ability to stay healthy.