The Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing a transformation that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. The team made some significant moves in the offseason, starting with the trade of Malcolm Brogdon to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Deni Avdija. Additionally, they drafted Donovan Clingan from UConn with the 7th overall pick in the draft. These changes are signaling a new direction for the franchise after a disappointing 21-61 season, their worst since 2005-06.
The Blazers have not made the playoffs since the 2020-21 season, and it is evident that they are in the midst of a rebuild following the departure of Damian Lillard. However, their rebuilding efforts may not be over yet, as there are rumors circulating that they are looking to make more moves before the start of the new season.
According to Trail Blazers reporter Aaron Fentress, the team is likely to trade either Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons before the start of training camp. Grant, who has been with the team for the past two seasons, has been a key player, averaging 20.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He still has four years left on his hefty $160 million contract, with a player option for the 2027-28 season.
Recently, there were reports that the Blazers almost traded Grant to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the deal fell through at the last minute. The Lakers remain a potential destination for Grant, although earlier rumors suggested interest from the Dallas Mavericks as well.
Simons, on the other hand, may also be on the move soon. Fentress believes that there is a possibility Simons will request a trade as the Blazers seem to be focusing their rebuild around younger players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. While nothing is set in stone yet, the upcoming months leading up to training camp could see more roster changes for Portland.
As the Blazers gear up for a new era, fans will be watching closely to see how the team continues to evolve and make moves in their quest to return to playoff contention. Stay tuned for more updates and rumors as the offseason progresses.
