The Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to turn back the clock during the 2025-26 NBA season.
In the current era, teams in the Western Conference are undoubtedly more stacked than those in the Eastern Conference.
As a result, building a quality roster is extremely important for franchises to succeed in the West. Unfortunately, the Portland Trail Blazers have failed to do so in recent years.
The silver lining is the fact that the Trail Blazers have seemingly found a long-term head coach in Chauncey Billups. But Billups can’t lead the Trail Blazers to glory unless the front office builds a quality roster.
Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty ImagesBiggest additions to the Portland Trail Blazers’ roster
Considering the Trail Blazers have missed the postseason in four straight seasons, it’s evident that the roster isn’t up to the mark.
To improve that, the franchise has made some key additions to the team. Speaking of which, the biggest addition is of Damian Lillard.
The Blazers signed Lillard to a three-year deal following his exit from the Milwaukee Bucks. But what else has the organization done this summer? Let’s find out.
Damian Lillard (Signed on a three-year deal)Blake Wesley (Signed a one-year deal)Jrue Holiday (Traded from Boston Celtics)
Lillard’s return following a short stint with the Bucks has the Trail Blazers fans buzzing. But considering Dame is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon injury, he will likely miss most of the 2025-26 season.
As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise if fans get more excited over Jrue Holiday’s fit on the team, at least until Lillard makes a comeback.
Biggest departures from the Portland Trail Blazers’ roster
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images
With the Trail Blazers currently facing a four-year playoff drought, it was obvious that some players needed to leave.
But who were these players? Here is a look at all the departures from the Trail Blazers’ roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Deandre Ayton (Contract buyout)Anfernee Simons (Traded to Boston Celtics)
Both Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons were key starters for the Trail Blazers last season. However, due to injury concerns and lack of success, the franchise decided to part ways with them.
Interestingly, Ayton is now with the LA Lakers while Simons has been sent to their rivals, the Boston Celtics.