Shot Blocking Center Listed as 'Top Trade Target' for Kings

Bleacher Report named Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams as a dream trade target for the Sacramento Kings.

May 11, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) dribbles the ball up court against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter in game six of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings have made a flurry of moves to bolster both the starting lineup and bench depth heading into 2024. Trading for NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan and drafting Devin Carter should improve the Kings' rotation, but some holes remain.

Mike Brown's squad lacks a true rim-protecting big man, so Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz sees an obvious solution: a trade for center Robert Williams III.

If we're talking more realistic targets, Williams is a premier shot blocker who'd serve as a major upgrade over Alex Len as the backup center behind Sabonis. Sacramento finished 28th overall in blocks per game (4.2) [last season].

- Greg Swartz, B/R

that one game in San Antonio when Robert Williams III was all over the place just jumping and blocking and dunking on people (2019) pic.twitter.com/B9nbvE0jz3

— Tomek Kordylewski (@Timi_093) August 6, 2023

Williams, 26, spent his first five years in the Association with the Boston Celtics but his most recent games were with the Portland Trail Blazers. The 6-foot-9 shot blocker comes with a 40-inch vertical jump and a 7-foot-6 wingspan that give him the length to defend the rim with ease.

Since entering the league, Williams has averaged 1.7 blocks per 20.5 minutes played -- numbers that would instantly impact Sacramento. Domantas Sabonis isn't known for his rim-protecting skills and averaged just 0.6 blocks per game in the 2023-24 campaign. Trading for Williams would give the Kings defensive versatility off the bench.

Vicious chase-down block by Robert Williams III 😤 pic.twitter.com/FpEeDzsUZs

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 16, 2020

One issue with Williams is his ability to stay healthy. The six-year veteran saw his most action in 2021-22 where he started in 61 games for the Celtics. Williams has never played all 82 games, a stat that tanks his trade value. The Kings could grab him for cheap if they want to upgrade the backup center position before the new season tips off.

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