NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets Could Be 'In The Mix' for Blazers' Robert Williams III
The Houston Rockets are looking for a center at the NBA Trade Deadline, which is just 16 days away. However, they may be linked to a player who won't exactly help them right away.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Rockets could be "in the mix" for Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, who is out for the season with a knee injury. Haynes cited Williams' relationship with Rockets coach Ime Udoka as a reason why the team could make the trade.
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"Ime Udoka has always, and still remains very fond of Robert Williams," Haynes said. "So I wouldn't be surprised if Houston is in the mix."
Williams, 26, has two years left on his deal worth a little over $25 million. He could provide tremendous value while his price may not be as high to trade.
The former Celtics center was traded to the Blazers in October as part of the Jrue Holiday deal, which followed Damian Lillard's blockbuster to the Milwaukee Bucks.
When he was with the Celtics, Williams emerged into a solid big man, starting 61 games during Udoka's lone season at the helm. He also started 15 games in the team's Finals run.
Should Williams come to the Rockets, he would likely become Alperen Sengun's backup next season, giving the team a strong defensive presence in the post in the second unit.
The Rockets will likely need someone other than Williams to address those problems for this late-season run, but it wouldn't hurt to invest more in the future.
