NBA rumors are now linking the Indiana Pacers to Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III. This news comes weeks after backup centers James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson suffered critical injuries.
NBA Rumors: Indiana Pacers Might Trade For Robert Williams III Amid Injuries To James Wiseman, Isaiah Jackson
Wiseman was diagnosed with a left calf injury in Indiana’s season opener, while Jackson tore his right Achilles tendon earlier this month. Wiseman could potentially return in the second half of the season, but Jackson will not.
Starting center Myles Turner will also enter unrestricted free agency this summer, and the 10-year veteran could very well decide to head elsewhere, resulting in the Pacers losing their best rim protector.
According to a recent list of trade targets by FanSided’s Michael Saenz, Indiana was linked to Williams, and the Trail Blazers could be interested in Pacers forward Jarace Walker.
Just when you think you've won.. 😅
Robert Williams III has 3 blocks in just 9 minutes 💪 pic.twitter.com/jRYHIOtoPB
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 23, 2024
Although Williams might be a solid addition for Indiana, oft-injured big man is not that reliable. He missed Wednesday’s game against the Pacers after suffering a head knock during the second quarter of Monday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 6-foot-9 Williams has only played in seven games (one start) with Portland this season, averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.9 blocks, and 18.7 minutes per contest.
Additionally, the Pacers signed Moses Brown last week to address Turner’s injury.
Williams Made The NBA All-Defensive Second Team With The Boston Celtics In 2021-22
His NBA Cup performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 12 was his best outing this campaign thus far. With Deandre Ayton out, Williams played a season-high 25 minutes and finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and three blocks.
“He’s just a winner,” Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups said after that game. “He does every single thing that you need him to do. His feel for the game is really high-level, his IQ is really high-level.
“His rebounding, his blocked shots, his voice…he’s so impactful, man. [Williams’] energy is infectious. That’s the reason why every team he’s on, he’s everybody’s favorite teammate. You can say that for a lot of different reasons.”
Williams, 27, made the All-Defensive Second Team in 2022 with the Boston Celtics and was dealt to the Blazers in the Sept. 27, 2024, trade that brought Jrue Holiday to Rip City.
Per Spotrac, Williams is currently in the third season of the four-year, $48 million rookie-scale contract extension that he signed with Boston in August 2021. He’s earning $12.42 million this season and is slated to make $13.28 million in 2025-26.
If this mock trade gains traction, the Pacers could send the injured Jackson and Walker to Portland for Williams. Indiana would receive a boost in its frontcourt while the Blazers continue to undergo their rebuild.
