One player the Thunder should target on each team in the Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics: Robert Williams III

Robert Williams III is a game-changing defensive big who has been unable to stay healthy for the Celtics. He has only eclipsed 60 games played once in his five seasons in Boston. Perhaps this is the year they lose their patience and decide to trade him while he’s valuable.

The OKC Thunder could use Williams in a couple of ways. He mainly could become the team’s clear backup center. Limiting his minutes per game could help him stay on the court. in addition, he would make a terrific defensive anchor for OKC’s second unit while simultaneously preventing opponents from punishing them on the boards. The Thunder could experiment with a lineup featuring Williams next to Chet Holmgren.

While Holmgren is clearly OKC’s starting center, the team could use a bigger lineup in its arsenal for when it faces teams like the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Lakers in the Western Conference. These teams will often play two bigs; adding Williams could provide an excellent counter to these massive lineups.

Williams may have the talent of a starting center, but he doesn’t have the consistency or the contract of one. With three years remaining on his contract for only $37 million. The OKC Thunder could easily absorb his deal and cash in on his tremendous upside. If they added Williams, OKC would have two of the premier shot blockers in the NBA.

This move comes down to if the Boston Celtics are looking to shake things up, and what they would need in return for their man in the middle.