This post was originally published on this site.
The Portland Trail Blazers are approaching the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline with the potential to be both buyers and sellers. While there’s always the chance they stand pat, February 5th will be the franchise’s last opportunity to improve before a potential run at the playoffs, perhaps moving the expiring deals owned by Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle in the process.
The Blazers are still a long way from contending and, as such, should be keeping their options open about who they believe will be with the franchise in years to come. But the roster has also progressed beyond the tear-it-down stage, now boasting a handful of young players who are more valuable in Blazers colors than anywhere else.
If the Blazers do decide to get involved in negotiations over the next four weeks, who might General Manager Joe Cronin declare untouchable?
Deni Avdija
Age: 25
Contract: Three years, $39.4 million remaining (including this season),
2025-26 stats: 39 games, 35.3 minutes, 26.1 points, 35.9% 3pt, 7.1 boards, 7.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks
Not much needs to be said. Avdija is far and away Portland’s most important player, building a pretty legitimate All-Star case with room for even more improvement. Avdija has been keeping the Blazers afloat as they continue to navigate the season with some of their best players sitting on the sidelines.
Avdija might also be on the league’s most team-friendly deal. Despite what I recently wrote about the complications associated with re-signing him in 2028, there’s no way Avdija will feature in negotiations as Cronin works to continue improving the roster around him.
Donovan Clingan
Age: 21
Contract: Three years, $24.2 million (including this season)
2025-26 stats: 35 games, 27.1 minutes, 11.5 points, 33.0% 3pt, 10.8 boards, 1.9 assists, 1.3 blocks
Leading the league in contested offensive rebounds at 3.6 a game, Clingan has found a role on the offensive end. His game has expanded betyond putbacks and rolling to the rim. Not only has Clingan’s three-point shooting given the Blazers a new avenue for scoring and spreading the floor, the former UConn standout is developing a post game, enabling him to finish with force.
Clingan’s defensive prowess is as solid as it was last season and should have him figure in All Defensive Team discussions at season’s end. His size and competitiveness have given Portland a real presence under the rim on both ends of the court. Clingan has cemented himself as the Blazers starting big man going forward, despite the recent drafting of Yang Hansen.
Yang Hansen
Age: 20
Contract: Four years, $21.4 million (including this season)
2025-26 stats: 22 games, 8.4 minutes, 2.5 points, 1.7 boards, 0.8 assists, o.4 blocks
I really dithered on this one. While Yang hasn’t had the greatest start to his career, there’s no way the Blazers part with the first round pick within one transaction window, especially given the genuine potential the Chinese big brings to the NBA.
Yang, who was taken with the 16th pick in June, should be given time to nurture his unique combination of size and skill. There’s no need to move on just yet, unless another franchise is willing to give up serious assets for him. Even then, his $4.4 million salary isn’t bringing back much in return.
Damian Lillard
Age: 35
Contract: Three years, $41.6 million (including this season). Player option on final year — no trade clause.
2025-26 stats: Yet to play
Despite the fact the veteran point guard will not play for the Blazers this season, he’s not going anywhere. The 35-year-old has a no-trade clause in his deal and I doubt he waives it for anything. The front office probably doesn’t have the combined nervous system to even attempt moving the veteran point guard a second time.
Contractual restrictions
Toumani Camara can’t be dealt this season given the nature of the extension he signed in October. The extension signed by Shaedon Sharpe also brings with it poison pill limitations, making it incredibly difficult to get salaries to match. The poison pill provision applies when a team extends a player’s rookie scale contract, then trades him before the extension officially takes effect.
Regardless, the pair are key pieces in Portland’s core. Camara is a three and D threat who is in line for his second consecutive All Defensive honor. As I wrote last week, Sharpe continues to grow on both sides of the ball with a future All Star berth not out of the question.
Those not mentioned
That leaves nine players who shouldn’t be ruled out of negotiations. Scoot Henderson is probably the most contentious point here but as I’ve previously written, now might be the best time to part with the young point guard while the Blazers can get something of value for him.
Jerami Grant, Jrue Holiday, Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle can all be in a deal for a player earning decent money. While lower-earning Blazers, including Kris Murray, Blake Wesley, Duop Reath and Rayan Rupert, could be included in deals if required.
The Blazers also need to consider how they handle the 50-game limit imposed on two-way contracted players Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love. The resolution to which is making room for them on the regular roster.
The Blazers have an interesting 26 days ahead of them, if only to see what they do with Williams’ and Thybulle’s expiring deals.