Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics
As the New York Knicks head into the new season, their roster is missing a key piece following the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein to free agency. The Knicks are now left short on the center front, and speculation is mounting about potential trade targets. Among the names being floated, Boston Celtics’ Robert Williams III stands out, with John Hollinger of The Athletic suggesting that a trade for the 26-year-old could be a fitting move for New York.
In an August 5 column, Hollinger indicated that Williams, who is currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, could be a valuable asset for the Knicks. “The other guy who theoretically checks all the boxes is Robert Williams III in Portland,” Hollinger wrote. “Again, that’s another one where the Knicks probably want to let the season play out and see if he can stay in the lineup for more than a week or two consecutively.”
Williams’ potential as a game-changer is undeniable. Two seasons ago, he was a finalist for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. However, his recent injury history is a significant caveat. After being traded to Portland last season, Williams played just six games before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. With only 35 appearances the previous season, his availability has become a concern.
A trade for Williams would not be straightforward for the Knicks. As Hollinger noted, any potential deal would likely occur mid-season, and the prospects are currently slim. New York’s salary cap situation complicates matters, with key players such as OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle accounting for approximately $157.7 million of the team’s $179.1 million salary cap next season. To accommodate Williams’ $12.4 million salary, the Knicks would have to make significant roster changes, potentially involving players like Keita Bates-Diop, Cam Payne, and Jericho Sims, while also assuming the Trail Blazers would entertain such a return.
Moreover, it’s unclear if the Knicks would be willing to part with backup guard Miles McBride, adding another layer of complexity to a potential deal.
In the meantime, the Knicks have explored other center options. SNY’s Ian Begley reported on July 18 that the team had “checked in on” Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela. Capela, who has been Atlanta’s starting center for the past four seasons, averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season.
https://twitter.com/NYPost_Berman/status/1811044241864306775
Additionally, former New York Post reporter Marc Berman revealed on July 10 that the Knicks had shown interest in Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun and Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren. Sengun, coming off his third season with the Rockets, averaged 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Duren, who had a standout season with the Pistons, posted averages of 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
As the season approaches, the Knicks face the challenge of filling their center void effectively. While Robert Williams III remains a tantalizing option, the team’s focus will also likely continue on exploring other potential trades and free-agent acquisitions to bolster their frontcourt.
