The Houston Rockets have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Portland Trail Blazers centre Robert Williams III, according to information from Chris Haynes. The potential move is said to be influenced by Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s admiration for the talented big man, whom he previously coached during their time with the Boston Celtics.
Ime Udoka’s Fondness for Robert Williams III:
During the #thisleague UNCUT podcast with Marc Stein, Chris Haynes revealed that Ime Udoka has consistently held a strong affinity for Robert Williams III. This connection between the coach and player from their shared time in Boston could play a pivotal role in bringing Williams to the Houston Rockets. Udoka’s appreciation for Williams’ skills and contributions may influence the team’s decision-making in pursuing the trade.
Damian Lillard (calf) could be shut down for the season if the Trail Blazers don’t make up ground in the standings over the next five or six games, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report stated on his #thisleague UNCUT podcast with Marc Stein. pic.twitter.com/z046uglL3w
— Rotolytics (@rotolytics) March 17, 2023
Williams’ Injury and Expected Recovery:
Robert Williams III faced a setback in the form of a season-ending right knee injury, causing damage to his kneecap and ligaments. Despite this setback, there is optimism surrounding his recovery, with expectations that he will be fully prepared for the upcoming season. The injury status is a crucial aspect that the Rockets will likely consider in evaluating the potential impact of acquiring Williams.
INJURY REPORT 1/21 @ LAL:
OUT:
– Moses Brown (L Wrist Fracture)
– Robert Williams III (R Knee Ligament Tear)
– Shaedon Sharpe (Lower Abdominal Strain) pic.twitter.com/eF1qNbF94B— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 22, 2024
Contract Details and Financial Implications:
The current year’s contract for Robert Williams III stipulates that he owed $11.6 million as part of the consideration for a potential trade. Additionally, he has two more years remaining on his deal, totaling $25.7 million through the 2025-26 season. The financial aspects of the trade are significant factors that the Houston Rockets will need to assess in determining the feasibility of the move.
Williams’ Performance in the 2023-24 Season:
During the 2023-24 NBA campaign, Robert Williams III showcased his skills in six appearances, averaging 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Despite the limited number of games due to the injury, Williams’ potential impact on both ends of the court is evident, making him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking frontcourt reinforcement.
According to Chris Haynes, Portland is considering the possibility of trading Robert Williams III:
“There are some teams that are pondering making a move for Robert Williams.” pic.twitter.com/TesU4e94n5
— OutOfSightSports🚀™️ (@OOSSports) January 24, 2024
The potential acquisition of Robert Williams III by the Houston Rockets adds an element of intrigue to the team’s trade deadline considerations. Ime Udoka’s familiarity with Williams and the center’s potential recovery from injury are crucial elements that will likely shape the decision-making process. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these rumors unfold and whether Williams will don a Rockets jersey in the near future.
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