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[Saba Sports News] Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka may be on the verge of reuniting with a key player from his Celtics days.
It has been reported that the Rockets have “strong interest” in acquiring Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III.
According to Siegel, “multiple” trade discussions have already taken place, and Williams is reportedly open to reuniting with Udoka, whom he holds in high regard from their time together in Boston.
Udoka coached the Celtics during the 2021-22 season, relying on Williams as his starting center en route to a Finals appearance. Now, with the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching, the rebuilding 14-28 Blazers might look to move Williams, who is in the third year of a four-year, $48 million contract.
While injuries have limited the 27-year-old to a part-time role, Williams remains a game-changer on defense with his 7-foot-6 wingspan and All-Defensive Team pedigree.
He would be an excellent fit in Houston’s rotation, providing a defensive anchor off the bench behind Alperen Sengun and complementing the team’s aggressive identity led by Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, and Tari Eason.
Landing Williams, however, may come at a cost. Siegel notes the Rockets might need to include promising rookie Cam Whitmore in a trade package, rather than just offering players like Jock Landale and Jae’Sean Tate alongside draft picks. For the 28-14 Rockets, who are thin in the frontcourt, that could be a price worth paying to solidify their roster for a potential playoff push.