Raptors rumors: Toronto interested in Celtics big Robert Williams

The Toronto Raptors rumors are starting to kick into high gear with the trade deadline getting closer, meaning that the Raptors are one step closer to offloading Goran Dragic’s contract and getting a quality big man in return. the latest buzz makes it sound like both of these goals could be realized in the coming days.

Doug Smith reported that Toronto is finding a great deal of interest in Dragic, while Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report is reporting that Toronto is continuing to shop a package of Dragic and a first-round pick to potential suitors.

This is being done with the goal of finding a young rim protector. Precious Achiuwa has tried his best, but Toronto needs someone with more short-term production if they want to make it to the postseason. The Raptors may have their eyes set on a division rival with potential.

Fischer mentioned Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams as someone that could be in Toronto’s sights. Williams, who signed a four-year contract extension that starts next year, is making next to nothing this season. They could help the Raptors snag him without losing their draft pick in a Dragic deal.

Toronto Raptors rumors: Would trading for Robert Williams make sense?

Williams, who goes by the A+ nickname of “Time Lord,” is averaging 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game this season. While he stands 6-8, Williams has an insane 7-6 wingspan, which can help him play more like a traditional center than the likes of Achiuwa or Chris Boucher.

Williams has 21 games with double-digit rebounds this season as well as seven games in which he’s tallied at least four blocked shots.

The issues with Williams stem from his offensive game. Making an obscene 72% of his shots for his career sounds great, but his diet of shots consists almost entirely of dunks and jump hooks close to the rim. He’d be a defensive boost and a tremendous rim-runner, but his value on offense has a strict ceiling.

Williams for Dragic straight up can’t happen due to financial reasons, though Toronto might be able to get a third team involved in order to move that salary. They could also forgo the whole Dragic deal and work on acquiring Williams in a separate trade. If Ujiri wants him, he’ll leave no stone unturned.

Williams might not have the height some Raptors fans are looking for, but he is an elite rebounder and shot-blocker with the wingspan and interior finishing to make a name for himself as a part of Toronto’s long-term lineup. If he is on the market and Boston is willing to accept draft picks for him, Ujiri might get on the phone with Brad Stevens.