Trade buzz intensifies around Robert Williams as Blazers explore deadline moves
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The Portland Trail Blazers are actively gauging the market for center Robert Williams ahead of the February trade deadline, according to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel. Williams, 28, is on an expiring $13.3 million contract and has been viewed league-wide as a possible trade piece for months.
Despite his availability, team insiders told The Rose Garden Report that Portland values the veteran’s presence on and off the floor. Williams is having his healthiest season in years, averaging 5.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks across 33 appearances (16.3 minutes per game). Even so, his lengthy injury history could limit Portland’s return and complicate any effort to re-sign him this summer.
Potential Giannis pursuit
The Blazers have also shown interest in pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Oregonian’s Bill Oram reported. Incoming owner Tom Dundon, whose purchase is expected to be finalized after the deadline, is regarded as aggressive and willing to approve bold moves. Oram cautioned that Portland should avoid a deal if Milwaukee demands forward Deni Avdija. Newly acquired guard Vit Krejci shares agent Alex Saratsis with Antetokounmpo, noted Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report.
Kings keep dealing
In Sacramento, the Kings remain active following their trade for DeAndre Hunter, James Ham of TheKingsBeat.com wrote. Moving three players for one created two open roster spots, one of which is expected to go to Dylan Cardwell after the deadline. The other slot could prove useful if Sacramento absorbs multiple players—starting with RJ Barrett—from Toronto in any Domantas Sabonis trade talks. No agreement is considered close.
Cavaliers field calls on Strus
The Cleveland Cavaliers have received outside interest in swingman Max Strus while simultaneously exploring deals involving guard Lonzo Ball, sources told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Strus has yet to play this season after offseason foot surgery.
Thunder’s Dieng drawing interest
Forward Ousmane Dieng is among the Oklahoma City Thunder’s top trade candidates and could be moved by the February 5 cut-off, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reported. “I don’t really think about it,” Dieng said, adding that his focus remains on daily improvement and helping the team win.
Source: Hoops Rumors
