The New York Knicks will likely be active in the trade market for centers this NBA season.
The Knicks’ center rotation is arguably the team’s biggest concern. The rotation currently consists of the talented but often-injured Mitchell Robinson, the slightly smaller and still-developing Precious Achiuwa, and the rarely used Jericho Sims.
If one of their centers were to get injured — particularly Robinson — it could be a big test of their depth and potentially leave the team without a tested rim protector capable of playing big minutes.
Learn more: Why Mitchell Robinson Could Be the Knicks’ Biggest X-Factor This Season
The Knicks seem well aware that they will need to address the center position at some point this season, as they have been linked to several centers in trade rumors.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Knicks will likely be one of many teams keeping an eye on Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.
“I would say any team looking for a center will be keeping a close eye on Robert Williams this year,” Windhorst said on “NBA Today” on ESPN“After the Blazers signed Donovan Clingan and they have Deandre Ayton, who is probably not very tradeable, on their roster, I don’t know where Robert Williams fits in. I think the Knicks will be one of the teams that will be watching him.”
Windhorst also noted that the Knicks have been linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, though the asking price may be too high for the Knicks.
Williams is a player we also identified as a trade candidate (before the Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges).
Williams is one of the NBA’s best blockers and a surprisingly good passer, something the Knicks will miss after the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein. He made an All-Defensive team in 2021-22 while averaging 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game for the Boston Celtics.
The problem is that Williams is also injury-prone. The 6-foot-11 big man has played more than 60 games just once in his career and has played just 41 games total over the past two seasons. That makes the prospect of a Williams trade tricky: If the Knicks were to send Robinson in such a deal, they would be trading one injury-prone center for another. If the Knicks kept Robinson and added Williams, well, they would face the risk of both centers being sidelined due to injuries.
Of course, in the age of salary caps, it’s harder than ever to construct fake trades. The Knicks can’t cash in more money than they send out in a trade, so assuming Robinson isn’t included in such a deal, the Knicks would have to send multiple players to match Williams’ $12.4 million salary.
The Knicks will have plenty of avenues to explore in finding another center, but the prospect of adding a healthy Williams to the Knicks’ current roster is enticing.
