The New York Knicks have yet to replace Isaiah Hartenstein after losing him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency. They will likely take their time scouring the trade market before pushing for a new backup big man, or they could wait until the buyout market heats up in January and February.
If the Knicks are willing to take a risk, The Athletic’s John Hollinger believes the Portland Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams could be a solid fit for Tom Thibodeau’s system.
“The other guy who theoretically ticks all the boxes is Robert Williams III in Portland,” Hollinger wrote on Aug. 5. “Again, he’s another player the Knicks probably want to let the season play out and see if he can stay in the lineup for more than a week or two straight.”
Williams has struggled with health throughout his career, missing all but six games last season due to another round of knee surgeries. Therefore, trading for him and the remaining balance of his $48 million contract is a risky move.