The Portland Trail Blazers made a late run last season to try and secure a Play-In spot in the Western Conference, though they ultimately fell short as they finished 12th in the standings.
Of course, Portland has missed the playoffs the last four seasons as they continue to go through a rebuild, though they have built a solid young core led by Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan.
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LeBron James drives to the basket Deni Avdija at Moda Center.Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Portland also made some notable additions to their roster this offseason as they acquired Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in the Anfernee Simons trade, selected Yang Hansen in the 2025 draft and reunited with Damian Lillard after he was bought out by the Milwaukee Bucks, though he will miss the season due to a torn Achilles.
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0)© Soobum Im-Imagn Images
With these moves, the Trail Blazers will try to surprise some people in the West this season as they try to fight for at least a Play-In spot.
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They could also look to make some moves ahead of the trade deadline and if they do, these three players could be potential trade candidates.
Jrue Holiday
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4).© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
While Portland acquired Holiday this offseason from the Celtics, they could look to move him again ahead of the trade deadline.
The 35-year-old guard is still a reliable offensive and defensive option who could draw interest from teams in need of guard depth this season.
Because of this, the Blazers may be willing to move him this season, though they could also keep him to help mentor Henderson.
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Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) and Memphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (24)© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Jerami Grant has been in trade rumors for multiple seasons as he has failed to live up to his contract thus far.
The 31-year-old forward has struggled with injuries since joining the Blazers in 2022 and his production dropped off a ton last season.
Due to this, it is likely that Portland will look to trade the veteran forward this season, but it may be easier said than done due to his massive contract.
Robert Williams III
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Robert Williams III has also been in trade rumors over the past few seasons, though teams have held off due to his injury history.
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Since joining Portland in 2023, the 27-year-old center has played in only 26 games over two seasons, which has been a cause for concern for many teams around the league in a potential trade.
Despite this, the veteran big man may draw interest this season from teams in need of frontcourt depth if he is able to stay healthy.
While Portland could look to move these players, they may also elect to keep them as they try to make a push for a Play-In spot in the West this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.