Some NBA players can’t seem to stay healthy. It’s unfortunate. These players seem to suffer an injury on an annual basis. Sometimes, those injuries will destroy a player’s season.
Take Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the league’s most exciting players. Williams III is a hyper-athletic big man who can defend the rim and defend in space.
Unfortunately, he’s seldom available to play. Recent rumors have suggested that the Blazers may make him available on the trade market. His injury history will limit his trade value.
Could the New Orleans Pelicans take a chance on him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: New Orleans Pelicans Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas, F E.J. Liddell
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Robert Williams III, C Moses Brown
With that said, injuries are a regular topic of discussion around the NBA. What should the league do? Should they take drastic measures? Should the NBA shorten its season?
It’s an interesting debate. On the one hand, anything that could mitigate injuries should be considered. Playing fewer games would do that. On the other hand, shortening the season would impact the record books. It would change the entire dynamic of the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Either way, as it stands, they’re playing 82 games a year. That has seemed to be a tall order for Williams III. Should the Pelicans take a chance on him anyway?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
It’s long been rumored that the Pelicans want to replace Valanciunas with a better defensive big. That makes sense. Valanciunas is a talented offensive player, but with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum on the roster, his skillset feels superfluous.
By contrast, Williams III would be a perfect fit. His ability to defend the rim would make life easier for Williamson. This is precisely the type of player that the Pelicans are said to covet.
Meanwhile, they’re getting him at a discount on account of his injury problems. The Pelicans will have to weather the storm in his absence – although, the inclusion of Brown here helps.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
They could also land another big man on the buy-out market. If Williams can get healthy next year, it will have been worth the wait for the Pelicans. Should the Blazers move him?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Williams III would complement a lot of teams. He’s not a good fit alongside Deandre Ayton. If the Blazers are choosing between them, they may pick Ayton. After all, they invested significantly more in him as the primary player they received for Damian Lillard.
Meanwhile, they know Williams III is a constant injury risk. Unfortunately, that’s also going to limit his market. If the Blazers can flip him for a young player and some cap relief, that would be a sensible choice.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonas Valanciunas, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
That’s what they’re getting here. Valanciunas is on an expiring deal. Meanwhile, Liddell has some potential as a 3-and-D forward. We’ll all hope that Williams III can get healthy, but the Blazers shouldn’t be counting on it.
