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Boston Celtics: the 3 best landing spots for Robert Williams if traded

By Andrew Hughes

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 13, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a pre-season game on October 13, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Portland Trailblazers

Much like the Mavericks, the Portland Trailblazers are dealing with injuries at the center position. Portland is currently missing Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic with a fractured leg. Nurkic has recently returned to practice, but there is no rush to get him back on the court even if he did look good on the court–according to head coach Terry Stotts–for the first time since last season:

"“He looked fine. I don’t know about exciting. He’s been building up to it, so it’s not like all of a sudden this happened,” Stotts said. “He’s been progressing to this point. I guess it’s a milestone but it’s just part of his progression. He played basketball. He made some shots. He got some rebounds. He played basketball.”"

If Nurkic is on the mend, that would give Portland two legitimate centers that would need minutes. Where does Robert Williams fit in all of this?

Well, it isn’t likely that the Trailblazers roster two starting caliber centers on massive contracts in the modern NBA. Hassan Whiteside is playing better than he has since the 2015-16 season, and his near-$30 million salary could be used to reel in another big fish. Kevin Love has been linked to Portland being that is the closest franchise to his hometown of Lake Oswego.

If a deal goes down involving Whiteside, the Blazers could need reinforcements in the paint. Williams would be a good candidate to get minutes at the 5 in Portland even when Zach Collins comes back. Collins is better-suited for the power forward spot anyway.

As for what the Boston Celtics could get in return, any draft considerations would be nice, but sharpshooter Gary Trent Jr. could be of interest for the C’s considering his recent 30 point outburst against the Oklahoma City Thunder and his 37% mark from the 3-point line in 2019-20.

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