Pass or pursue on Rockets' 8 biggest trade targets

1. Robert Williams- it depends

The Rockets desperately need a defensive presence in the paint like yesterday. Jock Landale is simply incapable of providing that.

On Wednesday, Landale's former teammate Deandre Ayton, absolutely dominated the Rockets, to the tune of 18 points and 17 rebounds, with six of them coming on the offensive end. Ayton had been struggling mightily entering the game, so much that he felt compelled to proclaim himself as a max player (which is usually a sign of the opposite).

According to Chris Haynes of Turner Sports and Bleacher Report, the Rockets could make a run at former Boston Celtics All-Defensive center Robert Williams, who suffered a season-ending injury shortly after being dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers. Haynes cited Rockets coach Ime Udoka's longstanding relationship with the 26-year-old as the impetus of such a move, while also pointing out Williams' insanely low value at the moment, due to his string of unfortunate injuries of late.

That is all good and well, but the Rockets will still need to bring in a defensive force at the center position for the remainder of this season. If reeling in Williams means the Rockets will have to sacrifice assets for next season without solving their need for an interior presence this season, this wouldn't be the best idea.

If there is a way for the Rockets to sign someone for the rest of the season despite making such a trade, a la Dwight Howeard, Bismack Biyombo, or Nerlens Noel, then I'd be all for it.