Could the Portland Trail Blazers trade a seldom-used veteran for two promising young players from the Los Angeles Lakers? That’s the idea proposed by Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World.
In Bitar’s trade proposal, Portland would send reserve center Robert Williams III, whose contract is expiring, to the Lakers in exchange for second-year shooting guard Dalton Knecht and young forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
– Lakers Receive: Robert Williams III
– Trail Blazers Receive: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt
Bitar notes, “This move would further congest Portland’s frontcourt while replacing Williams’ backup role with a player of similar skills. Vanderbilt averages just 15-16 minutes per game with limited offensive potential, whereas Knecht brings shooting and growth potential. However, trading both players reduces L.A.’s flexibility and roster continuity.”
Williams, a former All-Defensive standout with the Boston Celtics, has struggled with injuries during his two years in Portland. The 27-year-old, 6-foot-9 Texas A&M alum is a strong defender when healthy but has likely reached his peak and isn’t reliable for consistent play.
A trade could benefit both teams, with Portland having Duop Reath ready to step in as the third-string center behind Donovan Clingan and rookie Yang Hansen.
Bitar adds, “The Lakers might be interested in Williams if it only costs Knecht, but including Vanderbilt instead of veterans like Vincent or Kleber makes this deal less appealing for them. Rob Pelinka would likely prefer other trade options, though Portland might favor this package.”
Notably, Pelinka previously showed willingness to part with Knecht. Last year, the Lakers nearly traded Knecht and a 2031 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, but the deal fell through due to a failed physical. Williams was later traded to the Phoenix Suns for two first-round picks during the 2025 NBA Draft.
This history suggests L.A. is open to moving Knecht. The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter, a former All-American from Tennessee, was seen as a potential long-range threat akin to Kyle Korver for LeBron James but fell out of JJ Redick’s rotation due to defensive shortcomings.
Source: SI.com
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