At 15-12, the Atlanta Hawks have shown some positive signs this year. They have made it through the first part of the season with a winning record. Trae Young has been out for almost two months, getting hurt just a few games in. Kristaps Porzingis has dealt with an illness again this season.
The team has gotten a historic effort from Jalen Johnson, who cannot stop putting up triple-doubles. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been hitting big shots for them. Plus, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu have continued to deliver.
Getting back to the Porzingis point, the team has been a bit short-handed in the frontcourt. Though they may just opt to allow Asa Newell to absorb some minutes, there is another solution.
One that lies in a hypothetical trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, and Robert Williams. Let’s get into it.
Robert Williams-Luke Kennard Swap On the Table?
The Portland Trail Blazers have dealt with injuries for much of this season. Scoot Henderson is yet to play. Jrue Holiday has missed a lot of time. Matisse Thybulle got hurt right in the beginning.
The team is sitting at 10-16, and may be thinking more about next season. Donovan Clingan has been the starting center for the club. Robert Williams has been taking the backup minutes. Yang Hansen, meanwhile, has primarily been in the G-League.
In this hypothetical deal, the Blazers and Atlanta Hawks would be doing a trade. Luke Kennard signed a one-year deal to join Atlanta in the offseason, and has been solid. But, with the team having plenty of guards, perhaps adding a veteran big man to the mix could help?
Portland could use the shooting Kennard could add, while Williams would serve as the third-string big when they are at full-strength. But, if an injury comes up, or if Porzingis continues to struggle with the illness, it’s a good blanket option.
Each player is on an expiring contract, meaning that both can go their separate ways on the deal in the offseason.
Perhaps a second-round pick from Atlanta could sweeten the pot for Portland?
The oft-injured Williams still offers extremely high upside, and has been able to stay healthy this year.
Projecting How Williams and Kennard Fit on Potential New Teams
If traded to Atlanta, Robert Williams would slot into the rotation right away. Onyeka Okongwu would get the starters minutes, while Williams could see 15-20 a night off the bench. With the impending return of Trae Young, the lob threat would be there right from the get-go.
The energy Williams plays with would fit perfectly with the squad. Plus, he would be an additional mentor for Asa Newell, who may be ready for regular minutes next season.
As for Portland, Luke Kennard should be able to sneak some rotation minutes off the bench. Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko have been playing more than expected, and a solid veteran like Kennard could provide some value.
As the Blazers guards get healthy, the ball movement and playmaking should also improve. Deni Avdija’s ability to find the open man would certainly be a plus.
Kennard would get plenty of looks, and give the team a spark that has been missing.
Of course, this trade is only hypothetical. But, perhaps the Hawks and Blazers would be willing to chat? A win-win could await.
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