The Portland Trail Blazers started the new NBA season with an 0-2 record, but the goal this season was to be more competitive on the court. In the first game of the season, Portland was eliminated by the Golden State Warriors, but they played much better in the second game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

As part of that goal, the Trail Blazers have a few pieces on the roster that could bring them assets to help them build for the future. They traded veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon in the offseason, but still have a few players who could be of interest to opposing teams.

One of them is center Robert Williams III, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. He should be back with the team shortly and with Portland’s loaded frontcourt, he becomes a potential trade candidate.

Bleacher’s Grant Hughes Report lists Williams III as a trade candidate for the Pelicans if Portland is willing to move him. He could provide New Orleans with additional rebounding and size

“Williams has only played 41 games over the past two seasons, including six in 2023-24. When healthy, he’s a tremendous mistake eraser as a defender – someone who can clean the glass and even contribute offensively with passes that are better than you think,” Hughes writes.

New Orleans needs help at center and the Trail Blazers are likely to move at least one big man in any deal. Williams III makes perfect sense to be traded, especially given his injury history.

But when he was healthy, he was dominant on the court. He fulfills his role very well and could help the Pelicans down the stretch.

Williams III is a bit undersized at the center position but many teams play without a true big man in this modern NBA. While with the Boston Celtics during the 2022-23 season, the big man averaged 8.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.

He could be a good fit and Portland could probably get a few second round picks for him. The price probably won’t be too high due to his injury issues, but if he’s not in the Trail Blazers’ long-term plans, moving him for something helps them.

Although it remains to be seen whether Williams will be moved, the Pelicans are certainly an interesting place for a trade.

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