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As we’ve seen in recent weeks, the Boston Celtics are still short on quality depth at the center position, with Blake Griffin and Luke Kornet both failing to prove their ability to be primary back-up’s on a contending roster throughout the Celtics’ West Coast road trip.
It makes sense, then, that Boston could look to the trade market for a potential ‘insurance policy’ on Robert Williams, as his injury history will always ensure the Celtics coaching staff is walking on eggshells when working on his minutes’ distribution.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, one player who could make sense for the Celtics is Mo Bamba, assuming they deem Jakob Poeltl to be too much of a flight risk at the end of his current deal.
Bamba’s Contract is a Stumbling Block
Unfortunately for the Celtics, Bamba’s contract could be a stumbling block for them, as the seven-foot stretch-five is currently earning $10.3 million, which is beyond any of the trade exceptions the Celtics have at their disposal, meaning they would have to put a package of players together to match salaries.
Considering Boston is already a tax-paying team, packaging multiple players to acquire Bamba might not be in their best interests, as they would then need to extend offer sheets to some veteran free agents to round out their rotation – thus costing them more money.
However, adding a legitimate three-point shooting big man who can operate as a rim runner or as a screen-and-pop threat may entice the Celtics into enquiring about Bamba’s services. Over Bamba’s first 23 games of the current season, he’s averaging 8.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game whole, shooting 38.8% from deep and 50.4% from the field.
Robert Williams Set to Return
Williams, 25, has missed the opening few months of the season after undergoing a second surgery on his left knee following a meniscus tear in March. Boston will likely keep Williams on a minutes restriction for the foreseeable future as they continue to take their time with ramping him back up, allowing him to re-acclimate to game speed while avoiding adding unnecessary stress to his body.
The 2021-22 season was Williams’ first year as a starter and saw him earn an NBA All-Defensive second-team selection while averaging 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and two assists per game on 73.6% shooting from the field. Boston, who are currently ranked 8th in defensive rating, will be hoping that Williams’ return will see their defense continue trending in the right direction as they look to rediscover the form that saw the become the toughest defensive team in the NBA last season.
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