The Portland Trail Blazers are approaching the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline with the potential to be both buyers and sellers. While there\u2019s always the chance they stand pat, February 5th will be the franchise\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
If the Blazers do decide to get involved in negotiations over the next four weeks, who might General Manager Joe Cronin declare untouchable?<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Not much needs to be said. Avdija is far and away Portland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Avdija might also be on the league\u2019s most team-friendly deal. Despite what I recently wrote<\/a> about the complications associated with re-signing him in 2028, there\u2019s no way Avdija will feature in negotiations as Cronin works to continue improving the roster around him.<\/p>\n Age: 21 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Clingan\u2019s defensive prowess is as solid as it was last season and should have him figure in All Defensive Team discussions at season\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Age: 20 I really dithered on this one. While Yang hasn\u2019t had the greatest start to his career, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Yang, who was taken with the 16th pick in June, should be given time to nurture his unique combination of size and skill. There\u2019s 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\u2019t bringing back much in return.<\/p>\n Age: 35 Despite the fact the veteran point guard will not play for the Blazers this season, he\u2019s 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\u2019t have the combined nervous system to even attempt moving the veteran point guard a second time.<\/p>\n Toumani Camara can\u2019t 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<\/a> applies when a team extends a player\u2019s rookie scale contract, then trades him before the extension officially takes effect.<\/p>\n Regardless, the pair are key pieces in Portland\u2019s core. Camara is a three and D threat who is in line for his second consecutive All Defensive honor. As I wrote<\/a> last week, Sharpe continues to grow on both sides of the ball with a future All Star berth not out of the question.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Contract: Three years, $41.6 million (including this season). Player option on final year \u2014 no trade clause.
2025-26 stats: Yet to play<\/p>\n