There is typically a calm before a storm. The same holds true in the NBA’s trade market. Recently, the Portland Trail Blazers have been stormy. They made a flurry of moves that were difficult even to keep track of. Best of all, they may not even be done.
Let’s review. The Blazers traded Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. As part of their return, they landed Jrue Holiday. The plan was never to keep Holiday – the Blazers acquired him in order to trade him. They didn’t waste time in sending him to the Boston Celtics. The Blazers received Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III as part of that return.
They intend on moving Brogdon and keeping Williams III. We’ll see about that. The Blazers also acquired Deandre Ayton in exchange for Lillard. The fit between Ayton and Williams III looks clunky on paper. We wouldn’t be surprised if Williams III became a trade candidate as the season progressed. Could the Blazers send him to the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Robert Williams III, C Moses Brown
Are the Lakers anticipating a storm? It’s hard to say. This team had an interesting offseason. They didn’t grab headlines like the Blazers, but they could be preparing for something that puts the league on notice.
Think about it. The Lakers emphasized youth this summer. They retained Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. They signed Cam Reddish and Jaxson Hayes. This isn’t typically how a contending team behaves. Everyone knows that veterans tend to lead to more success in the NBA. Could the Lakers be preparing for a big midseason move?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It’s possible. It’s also possible that they’re simply looking to surround the aging LeBron James with young legs. For that matter, they could be preparing for life after James. Either way, this is a team worth monitoring. Should the Lakers make a move for Williams III?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Williams III is among the league’s more frustrating players. It isn’t his fault. Unfortunately, his body tends to break down. If it didn’t, his trade value would be much higher. After all, when healthy, Williams III is a prototypical modern defensive big.
His unique athletic profile certainly helps. Williams III has an outstanding wingspan and a rare vertical leap for a man his size. He also has very quick feet. That allows him to contest shots at the rim and defend in space. Imagine him alongside Anthony Davis in the Lakers’ frontcourt.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is this a risk? Absolutely. If Williams III gets hurt, the Lakers will have sacrificed Hachimura for no reason. At the same time, if it pays off, it could give them much stronger title odds. If Williams III has been healthy throughout the year, this deal should make the Lakers a better team. Should the Blazers be interested in making the deal?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
We envy your optimism if you believe in an Ayon/Williams III frontcourt. We’re not saying it couldn’t possibly work. If either man develops a surprise jump shot, that would go a long way. Still, at the moment, it feels unlikely that Portland will hang onto two starting caliber big men for long.
What do the Blazers need? This team has a surplus of young guard talent. Between Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, they don’t need any more backcourt talent. Meanwhile, we’ve already outlined their big-man situation. The Blazers need a young wing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Why not Hachimura? In last year’s playoffs, he demonstrated some value as a defender and shot-creator. He could be the type of role player who thrives alongside the rest of this young group. Keep an eye on the situation in Portland – it may not be calm for much longer.
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