The Portland Trail Blazers have had the strangest season of any team and with this week’s news, there will only be more madness.
Where Will Blazers Ship Trade Candidate Robert Williams III After Return From Injury?
On Oct. 27, the Blazers announced that Robert Williams III has been assigned to their G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix.
It’s the injury-prone center’s latest step as he recovers from “an arthroscopic procedure” he underwent in March “to address inflammation in his left knee” (h/t NBA TV’s Chris Haynes). At the time, Williams was expected to miss just 4-6 weeks. However, during Portland’s Media Day on Sep. 29, he revealed that he still hadn’t been cleared to play (h/t The Rose Garden Report’s Sean Highkin). On Oct. 6, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said that Williams had been participating “a lot of non-contact stuff” (h/t Trail Blazers reporter Victor Sun).
With Williams looking like he’s nearing a return to the court, it’s impossible to ignore that Portland will have a conundrum when he does. They have four rotation-level centers on the roster –Williams, Donovan Clingan, Hansen Yang, and Duop Reath –meaning there’s a positional logjam. Furthermore, because Clingan (2024 No. 7 pick) and Yang (2025 No. 16 pick) were drafted high and recently, the Blazers are likely to prioritize their development.
Agreeing to a contract buyout with Deandre Ayton, who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, helped Portland clear up the traffic. Ironically though, Ayton’s decision to sign with the Lakers may have taken a long-rumored suitor off the board. Obviously, that only complicates Williams’ situation with the Blazers, leaving one question:
Where will the Blazers trade him?
Who Are Robert Williams III’s Potential Trade Suitors?
Indiana Pacers
There’s no team that needs a center as much as the Indiana Pacers. Myles Turner left them high and dry in free agency. Isaiah Jackson is only a year removed from a season-ending Achilles injury. James Wiseman was just waived so that they could make room for Mac McClung. Unfortunately for them, there are no assurances Williams will be consistently available, but there’s an argument that he’d be the most talented center on the roster.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards aren’t devoid of center depth but they definitely could stand to fortify it. Being a much more capable shot-blocker than Marvin Bagley III doesn’t hurt Williams’s case given the organization’s desire to establish a defensive foundation. 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr‘s status as the team’s franchise center is also positive. Yes, the Wizards may not want to give up a lot for a center that they have to rely on. However, they may be comfortable with trading for him.
Oklahoma City Thunder
When the Oklahoma City Thunder decided to rule 2025 No. 15 pick Thomas Sorber out for the season, they lost a big man that was likely going to be in their rotation. If 2022 No. 11 pick Ousmane Dieng‘s development had been more linear, that wouldn’t be a big deal. However, with Dieng out of the rotation and Isaiah Hartenstein being promoted to the starting lineup, it’s a notable issue. With Williams’s athleticism, he’d be a great fit for the Thunder at both ends.
Miami Heat
With the Miami Heat going with the Bam Adebayo–Kel’el Ware combination up front, their second unit needs a center. In the offseason, it seemed as if Precious Achiuwa or Kai Jones would get the job. However, the Heat parted ways with both big men, leaving the void unfilled. That being said, Williams has an attitude that’s made for Miami’s culture. He may also be able to play a role similar to the one Adebayo did prior to Ware’s rise.
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