All summer, NBA fans kept an eye on the Portland Trail Blazers. For a long time, all they could do was wait. Suddenly, the Blazers began a flurry of activity. They traded Damian Lillard for Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and draft capital. Then, they traded Holiday for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and more draft capital. Are they done making moves?
Not likely. The Blazers are expected to trade Brogdon. That makes sense. This team is beginning a rebuild. Brogdon is a veteran who’s going to take touches from this team’s young core. What about Williams III?
The Blazers could go either way there. Williams III is young enough to be part of this team. With that said, he’s not an obvious fit alongside Ayton. The Blazers could justify keeping him, and they could justify moving him as well. If they choose the latter path, here are three teams that we think should keep an eye on him.
Dallas Mavericks
How much will Williams III cost? That’s a different question. When he’s healthy, this is the prototypical modern defensive big. Williams III can defend the rim at an elite level and survive in space when need be. Unfortunately, his health is a major health concern.
In other words, a team may not need a surplus of assets to land him. A contender like the Dallas Mavericks could get in the running for his services. Meanwhile, Dallas could use a healthy version of Williams III. This team has plenty of offensive talent, but they’re in dire need of a defensive anchor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Sure. Still, the Mavericks could be scared off by his injury history. A contending team doesn’t just need good players – they also need reliable players. If the Mavericks pass, could another team get in the mix for Williams III?
New Orleans Pelicans
Speaking of injury concerns, we’ve got the Pelicans. They could easily be scared off by Williams III’s health. After all, they’ve already dealt with their share of injuries by rostering Zion Williamson. This could be one of the least reliable front-court duos we’ve ever seen in NBA history.
Still, it’s been suggested that the Pelicans want a more defensive-minded big man than Jonas Valanciunas. Williams III certainly fits the bill. Meanwhile, if the Pelicans are planning for another Williamson injury, they might as well move him. Otherwise, they may want to operate as if he’ll be healthy. If they share that philosophy, they should focus on acquiring players who fit with him on paper.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They may not share that philosophy. Rostering Williamson and Williams III simultaneously could be too much risk for this team to stomach. Is a team in a better position to take a risk?
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are in a different place from either the Dallas Mavericks or New Orleans Pelicans. Missing the postseason would be a grave disappointment for either of those squads. By contrast, a playoff berth would be a shocking turn of events for the Houston Rockets.
With that said, they are looking to take a step forward. The Rockets have been among the worst teams in the NBA for three seasons. This summer, they spent big in free agency to ensure they don’t endure a fourth consecutive year of struggling. This team may not be in the title picture, but by all appearances, they’re on the rise.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets have plenty of young playmaking and shot-creating talent. They’ve got an intriguing platoon of young defensive wings as well. On the other hand, they’re missing an ace defensive big. Alperen Sengun is gifted on offense but struggles with lateral mobility. A healthy Williams III could be this team’s missing piece. Soon enough, he could have fans around the league keeping an eye on the Rockets.
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