5. Robert Williams III
Another player who missed the majority of the 2023-2024 NBA season is Portland big Robert Williams. Time Lord, as Williams has been dubbed by fans, appeared in just six games last season before having season-ending knee surgery.
While there is always a risk in trading for players after major injuries like this, Williams is the exact archetype the Thunder need.
Standing at 6-foot-9, the Texas A&M product has spent the majority of his career as a Celtic. Prior to last season, Boston shipped him off to Portland in the deal where Jrue Holiday came back in return to Beantown.
Williams is on a team-friendly contract, making no more than $13.2 million in a year over the next three seasons.
He is a former All-Defensive player and even received Defensive Player of the Year votes back in 2022 where he placed seventh in the running.
This Robert Williams III block 😳
— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2023
Celtics lead the Spurs 68-57 at halftime.
📲 https://t.co/1pomQZMAZK pic.twitter.com/yL6q3xP3lG
A gritty player like Williams could make an immediate impact for the Thunder and could create a dominant two-headed defensive snake alongside Holmgren.
After reports have come out that the Trail Blazers are taking offers for Williams, there is no doubt the Thunder will at least monitor the situation.
Time Lord will not be the last Blazers big man to make an appearance on this list, but his playstyle could mesh very well with that of the Thunder and it could become a perfect match.