Knicks Should Trade for Blazers Center

The New York Knicks could trade for Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.

Jeremy Brener | Sep 12, 2024

Oct 20, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) wins the opening tip off against Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are expected to be buyers on the trade market throughout the season, and there are a few different players that they could look to acquire.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst mentioned that the Knicks could be a candidate to acquire Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.

"I would say any team looking for a center is going to watch Robert Williams closely this year," Windhorst said on NBA Today. "After the Blazers drafted Donovan Clingan and they've got Deandre Ayton, who's probably not very tradeable, on their roster ... I think the Knicks will be among the teams monitoring him."

Williams, 27, was traded by the Boston Celtics to the Blazers as part of the Jrue Holiday deal last October. However, he only played six games for the Blazers before dislocating his patella, which required season-ending surgery. Williams is expected to make a full recovery and return to the Blazers this season but he is a prime trade target for a team that isn't expected to be very good.

Williams is coming off an injury, but he makes a lot of sense for the Knicks. Williams is only 6-9, but he specializes on the defensive end and can be a strong pick-and-roll partner for Jalen Brunson.

Williams was the starting center for the Celtics on their run for the 2022 NBA Finals, proving that he can be a key piece for a contender. He could emerge as the starting center if Mitchell Robinson suffers an injury or remain as a backup if he is needed in the second unit.

Williams probably isn't going to be a 30-minute player for the Knicks or for any team, but he can give good quality minutes in a number of different lineups that could benefit New York.

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Published Sep 12, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.