Report: Kings interested in trading for Blazers big man Williams III originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
After acquiring six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan This offseason, along with a few other small offseason additions, the Kings may not be finished rebuilding their roster for the 2024-25 NBA season.
And they could finally be addressing an area of concern.
Sacramento is among several teams that have “registered interest” in Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, Clutch Points NBA insider Brett Siegel reportedciting sources.
The Kings are enjoying a historic season from All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, who led the league in triple-doubles, double-doubles and rebounds last season while averaging nearly 20 points and more than eight assists per game. They also re-signed 7-foot-2 big man Alex Len and signed ex- Miami Heat center Orlando Robinson for a one-year contract.
But if healthy, Williams — an all-defensive center and elite rim protector — could be an interesting backup option in Sacramento.
Williams III is recovering from a knee injury suffered at the start of the 2023-24 season. He underwent surgery and is expected to participate fully in training camp.
The 26-year-old played just six games for Portland last season, averaging 6.8 points and 65.4 percent shooting in those games, as well as 6.3 rebounds.
Williams really made a name for himself with the Boston Celtics as a member of the All-Defensive team during Boston’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals. Ultimately, the team parted ways with him to acquire Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday last offseason, and Williams was sent to Portland.
But it appears that Sacramento, among others, could view him as a low-cost, high-reward player to add center depth behind Sabonis.