The Portland Trail Blazers have had a rocky 2024-25 season. With the trade deadline coming up, the Blazers could be among the teams making moves. Robert Williams III’s impact has been impressive, but he could be the most enticing piece to trade. This also furthers Donovan Clingan‘s development.
Trail Blazers Center Becoming Team’s Likeliest Trade Candidate
After Tuesday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, the Portland Trail Blazers are 12-18 after 30 games. They had a blistering start to the season with big wins, but they have since dropped off. People saw their defensive potential, but injuries have hampered their success over the past month.
It has not been all doom and gloom for the Blazers because they have seen some promising developments. Donovan Clingan has established himself as a top-tier center at only 21. The Blazers have impressive depth, which could make Robert Williams III the most intriguing Blazers trade candidate.
Williams is in the final year of his contract, so moving on from him would be smart. He has been fantastic when healthy, but he may be too much of a liability in the Blazers’ long-term plans.
Moving Williams is the Smart Blazers Trade to Make
Across the Blazers roster, there are plenty of players who could become trade candidates. Matisse Thybulle is another name that comes up, considering he is also in the last year of his contract.
However, Williams is the most enticing because he has the skill set that could help other teams. He is an athletic center with a high ceiling on the defensive end.
Offensively, Williams is one of the most reliable lob threats in the league. He is also a positive passer who can be a playmaker when needed. Williams is a non-shooter, which could lessen his value, but the defense can make up for it.
The Blazers have used him well as the primary backup to Clingan. However, health issues continue to be a big problem for Williams. The Blazers still choose not to play him on back-to-backs. He has been with the Blazers since 2023, but he has only played 45 games.
Moving him is the best option, even though Blazers fans have loved him when he plays. He is in the last year of his deal, so Portland would love to get value. Letting him get away for free would be a mismanagement by GM Joe Cronin and his team.
Williams’ Impact Can be Enticing to Most Teams
The NBA boasts numerous impactful centers, particularly on the defensive side. Williams is a special case because he has consistently shown the potential to be the Defensive Player of the Year.
During his Boston Celtics years, he and Marcus Smart were in the conversation for the award. Of course, Smart came away with the award in 2022, but Williams was seventh in the votes.
While it has been a long while since his Celtics stint, Williams has shown brilliant flashes. Defensively, Portland still relies on him to be an anchor for the second unit. Williams can switch onto the quicker guards in the pick-and-roll.
ROBERT WILLIAMS III CHASES DOWN LEBRON FOR THE BLOCK 🍿 pic.twitter.com/wgL0DsZOy7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2025
However, Williams’ rim protection is still elite at 1.5 blocks per game in 15.7 minutes a night. Williams’ impact can still be at an elite level as long as the team sets him up for success.
In the future, Portland can be that spot, but it looks like Williams’ injury struggles and expiring contract negate that. Clingan’s development is also a big reason, as the Blazers will want to give him as many reps as possible. With Yang Hansen and Duop Reath as his backups, they might not need Williams.
Clingan’s Development Will Ramp Up Without Williams
By February, a Blazers trade will likely happen, especially with how they have struggled recently. They would want to shore up the team and resolve some of their offensive issues.
Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe are fantastic players, but they need help. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson’s injuries have handicapped this team’s ceiling. They need a point guard to set the table and help everyone get into the right spots.
That could also be said about Clingan, who has been fantastic, but he needs a point guard to help him. Without Williams, Clingan won’t be the young center anymore; he will be the number one guy. If the trade pushes through, he will need to live up to that franchise center tag.
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