Trail Blazers could be open to trading former Celtics big man

Last summer, Robert Williams III found himself heading to the Portland Trail Blazers after being included in the Boston Celtics' trade package for Jrue Holiday . He had spent his first five seasons in Boston; however, his inability to stay healthy likely made Brad Stevens' choice an easy one.

Williams' injury issues followed him to Portland. He played in just six games before being shut down for the season. Now, his position on Chauncey Billups' roster looks to be under threat following the addition of Donovan Clingan via the 2024 NBA Draft. Portland took Clingan with the seventh overall pick, so he will undoubtedly want to ensure his development.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who was speaking on a recent episode of "The Hoop Collective" podcast, Williams could find himself available on the trade market. How robust the market will be for him due to his injury history and concerns about his longevity remains to be seen.

“Jerami Grant–he's probably one of the guys in the league that teams will look at,” Windhorst said. “But I would also say, with Donovan Clingan getting drafted there and Deandre Ayton on the roster, I don't think Ayton is very tradable. A guy to watch who is very tradable is 'The Time Lord,' one of the great nicknames in the whole NBA, Robert Williams.”

When healthy, Williams is one of the most explosive centers in the NBA. At his best, he has Defensive Player of the Year upside. Unfortunately, we've rarely seen Williams produce his best basketball, as he's been incapable of staying on the floor. His best season came during the 2021-2022 season when Ime Udoka was using him in a "free safety" role, allowing him to roam on the weak side before rotating over to contest shots at the rim.

If Williams wants to stay in the NBA, he may need to adapt his game to ease the impact on his knees and lower back — which have been the problem areas throughout his career. Fortunately for him, he's a highly talented passer and could embrace a playmaking role at the top of the perimeter or in the short roll, allowing him to be an effective player on offense while reserving his explosive movements for protecting the rim.

Williams deserves another chance in the NBA, but teams aren't in the business of giving out roster spots. Portland must allow him to prove he's healthy and can be an impactful member of a rotation. If he can do that, there should be no shortage of front offices lining up to roll the dice by adding him to their roster.