Mike Richman here, the host of the daily Locked On Blazers podcast, with your daily Locked On Blazers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Blazers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Is There A Trade Market For Rob Williams?
Nov 12, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Trail Blazers center Robert Williams has some trade appeal as we enter the Heavy Trade Speculation point of the NBA season. Let’s break down that appeal.
It’s pretty simple. Other teams likely covet Willliams not just because of his talent but also due to his manageable contract. Unlike some of the Blazers’ higher-paid veterans, Williams’ salary makes him an attractive option for many teams looking to bolster their roster without breaking the bank.
Williams is a solid defensive player with the versatility to switch a little and protect the rim, making him a key component in any team’s defensive strategy. His passing and screen-setting abilities offer something helpful on offense outisde individual scoring (a thing Williams doesn’t really bring to the table).
The trade market for Williams is potentially promising. His contract, which is not an expiring deal, allows teams to benefit from his services for two playoff runs if they deal for him at this deadline. This makes him a desirable target for teams looking to strengthen their frontcourt without committing to a long-term financial burden. The new CBA rules also play a role, as they make it easier to trade players like Williams, who fit into the mid-level trade exception.
Teams like Oklahoma City and New York could be viable destinations, given their need for frontcourt depth. The Blazers could leverage Williams’ trade value to acquire a protected first-round pick or a young player with potential. However, it’s unlikely they would receive both a high-value pick and a promising young talent in return.
The decision to trade Williams ultimately hinges on whether the Blazers see more value in his on-court contributions or as a trade asset. Given the team’s current trajectory, it seems more pragmatic to maximize his trade value, especially considering his injury history. Yet, there’s a personal side to this decision. Williams is not only a talented player but also a likable personality, making him a fan favorite. The front office is not swayed by fan favoritism, but dear reader, the heart and the trade market don’t always align.
Williams could be the Blazers most valuable trade chip this winter. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Rob Williams’ trade potential, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- Front office rankings and what they mean for the Blazers
- The challenges of trading high-salary veterans like Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Fans The Portland Trail Blazers are hosting a charity ticket giveaway for the 2024 Edge Night, offering fans a chance to win tickets while supporting a good cause. (Blazer’s Edge)
Feel Good Trail Blazers legends Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler share their first memories of playing for Portland, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the team’s storied past. (Blazer’s Edge)
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Spurs @ Trail Blazers
Friday, Dec. 13 | 7:00PM | Moda Center, Portland, OR | Get Tickets
Trail Blazers @ Suns
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 6:00PM | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ | Get Tickets
Nuggets @ Trail Blazers
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Moda Center, Portland, OR | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Blazers podcasts.
Deni Avdija Is Finding His Rhythm But Trail Blazers Lose in Memphis The good news: Deni Avdija is finding his footing. The bad news: Pretty much everything else.
Anfernee Simons Delivers in the Clutch as Trail Blazers Get Bounce Back Win in Houston Anfernee Simons scored 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and the Trail Blazers avenged an ugly loss on Friday night with a clutch win over the same Houston Rockets on Saturday.
Can the Trail Blazers Follow The Houston Rockets Rebuild Path? | Game Preview with Locked On Rockets A crossover edition of the show with Jackson Gatlin of Locked On Rockets, previewing the Trail Blazers two games against the Rockets on Friday and Saturday.
