Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III has been touted as a potential trade target for the Houston Rockets and, by extension, fired former Cs head coach Ime Udoka, according to Space City Scoop’s Anthony Duckett. According to Duckett, it wouldn’t really be surprising to see the Rockets go after the Time Lord.
“Rockets head coach Ime Udoka knew what Williams was capable of, perhaps more than anyone, because he was the coach of the Celtics that season,” Duckett began before saying: “And who We’ve talked a lot about Udoka’s desire to improve his defense. It wouldn’t really be surprising if the Rockets took a look at Williams, who is only making an average of $12.4 million over the next three seasons.
Williams is a bargain for most teams, but he would deprive Boston of valuable salary-cap flexibility in its new financially punitive salary-cap environment if he isn’t healthy strong. Houston has the wherewithal to facilitate a Williams trade if he needs time off. Every roster spot is valuable for the Celtics, with the front office giving plenty of space to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, now, Malcolm Brogdon and later, Derrick White.
Who could the Boston Celtics target against the Rockets in a Robert Williams III scenario
Looking over the Rockets’ draft board, assuming Boston and Houston commit to a deal with Williams, some names could be of interest to the C’s after December 15:
Jock Landale and Jeff Green. Both made $4 million less than Williams and, especially in Green’s case, offered a more offensive deal.
Of course, the defense will take a hit without the Time Lord, but Porzingis’ presence could be what keeps Williams off the field to allow him to change the game as much as he could elsewhere. If Houston doesn’t win with the frontcourt combination of Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun, then Alperen Sengun will get the ax for a center better suited to the frontcourt’s skill set. Enter number 44.
Williams could get a better deal elsewhere for a team hungry enough for that final piece of the puzzle, but the Rockets have certainly sensed the next potential destination for the Time Lord.