Top 5 landing spots for Robert Williams as ‘Time Lord’ reportedly hits trade market
Robert Williams' name has hit the trade market. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst on the "Hoop Collective" podcast, Williams is one of the biggest tradeable pieces in the market right now and will continue to draw the interest of different teams in the coming months.
The Portland Trail Blazers center is one of the best defensive players in the league and played a crucial part in the Boston Celtics' success during the 2021-22 season.
Last season, Williams suffered a knee injury in November that ended his season. However, he is returning fully recovered and the Portland Trail Blazers are likely to use him to trade for good pieces for the roster.
Here are the top five destinations for Robert Williams.
Top 5 landing spots for Robert Williams as ‘Time Lord’ reportedly hits trade market
#5 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets had shown interest in Robert Williams when the offseason started. The Rockets have shown great potential since Ime Udoka joined the team as the head coach.
Moreover, it was under Udoka in Boston that Williams blossomed into one of the top defensive players in the league. It wouldn't be surprising if Williams ends up with his former head coach in Houston.
#4 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have Joel Embiid playing at the center position. Although Embiid can play defense in the paint, they could do with another certified shot blocker on the roster.
With Paul George on the roster, the Sixers are one of the top contenders in the league. If they manage to add Williams, he can surely put them among the top defensive teams and make them a legitimate threat in the playoffs.
#3 Orlando Magic
The entire NBA was sold on the Orlando Magic acquiring Klay Thompson in the offseason. However, the former Golden State Warriors player ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks. The Magic still have a chance to improve their roster by adding Robert Williams.
Last season, the Magic had the second-best defensive rating in the league. However, when it came to blocking shots, they were ranked 13th in the league. If the Magic manage to pair the rim protection of Williams with a premier perimeter defender in Jonathan Isaac, their defense will get a significant boost.
#2 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks lost Isaiah Hartenstein, one of the more reliable centers in the league, this offseason. Hartenstein joined the OKC Thunder, leaving the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa as the Knicks' center options.
Hartenstein played a big role in the Knicks' success last season and they will need a player of the same or better caliber to replace him. With the current players left for trade this offseason, the Knicks can't find a better choice than Robert Williams. He can protect the rim better than Hartenstein and he is also a fairly good scorer.
#1 LA Clippers
Paul George is officially gone and the Clippers are left with a big hole in their roster. Very few players can fill the void that the PG's departure has created, but while he plays a different position, acquiring Robert Williams can be a big move for the Clippers if they choose to do so.
Last season, the Clippers were 16th in the league in defensive ratings. If they can manage to successfully pair Ivica Zubac with a capable backup in Williams, their defense is going to take a big leap.