Report: Kings Interested In Trading For Blazers’ Robert Williams III

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Sacramento Kings are interested in trading for Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III.

“In the Western Conference, the Kings are another team that has registered interest in Williams, sources said,” Siegel reported. “The 6’9″ center would provide immediate rebounding and defensive depth in the frontcourt behind Domantas Sabonis. Sacramento ranked 14th in defensive rating and 13th in opponents’ points in the paint during the 2023-24 season, two areas that Williams would immediately provide a boost in.”

Williams III only appeared in six games for the Blazers this past season due to a knee injury. He averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks.

The 26-year-old Williams III will make $12,428,571 next season. He has career averages of 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks with the Boston Celtics and Blazers. 

The Celtics drafted Williams III with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Texas A&M. Boston traded the center to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal last October. 

The Blazers are in rebuild mode, so their veterans are better suited to play for teams who are looking to win. That includes Williams III, Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons.

The Kings and Blazers missed the playoffs in 2024. Sacramento already made one big trade this offseason, acquiring DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls. The Kings now have a “Big 3” of DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. 

Sources told Hoops Wire that Fox and Malik Monk heavily recruited DeRozan, who was an unrestricted free agent. 

A future Hall of Famer, DeRozan has career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs and Bulls. He’s made three All-NBA teams and six All-Star teams. 

DeRozan appeared in 79 games for the Bulls in 2023-24. The USC product averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line.