Trail Blazers Face Uncertain Future Amidst Offseason Shake-Up
Questions Linger About Roster Construction and Future Direction
The Portland Trail Blazers have missed the play-in tournament for four consecutive seasons. Compounding this streak of futility, the team has seemingly failed to unearth a cornerstone young superstar through its lottery selections in the same timeframe.
Draft Night Moves and Roster Questions
While Portland traded its lottery pick this year, ultimately selecting CBA center Yang Hansen at No. 16, this move is still considered a de facto fourth straight lottery selection used to acquire a promising first-round talent. However, the team’s recent offseason strategies, particularly under recently extended general manager Joe Cronin, have raised eyebrows.
Cronin opted to buy out center Deandre Ayton, who was on an expiring contract, rather than pursue trade options for the former top overall pick. In another surprising move, 26-year-old combo guard Anfernee Simons, also on an expiring deal, was traded for 35-year-old veteran point guard Jrue Holiday. Adding to the veteran presence, the team signed another 35-year-old point guard, nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard.
“If this offseason was about intrigue and heartstrings, the Blazers would get an A. But when it comes to basketball moves, Portland’s summer was a curious and confusing exercise. Signing an injured Damian Lillard healed fans’ wounded hearts. The surprise draft of Chinese center Yang Hansen at No. 16 has the look of a fun project, and the trade for aging Jrue Holiday and his $100-plus million contract is palatable if the Blazers were on the cusp of contending … but they are not.”
—Jason Quick, The Athletic
Evaluating the Offseason Strategy
The Athletic’s Jason Quick assigned Cronin a C grade for the team’s summer transactions, highlighting the perplexing nature of the moves. He questioned the long-term fit of multiple veteran point guards, including Lillard and Holiday, alongside emerging talent Scoot Henderson in 2026, and expressed doubt about the immediate impact of Yang.
A significant concern raised is the team’s shooting depth following the trade of Simons. “How Lillard fits into the Holiday-Scoot Henderson point guard rotation in 2026 is a big question, and so too is how soon Yang can contribute,” Quick added. “But no question is bigger than the one left by the trade of Anfernee Simons to Boston: Do the Blazers have enough shooting?”
Until Lillard‘s return, the team may indeed lack sufficient shooting. However, promising developments from 25-year-old forward Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara late last season offer a glimmer of hope. Both players exhibit potential for growth. Coupled with Holiday‘s significant defensive upgrade over Simons, provided he can maintain his health, these factors could potentially elevate the Blazers into play-in tournament contention.
The team’s commitment to developing its young talent alongside veteran additions remains a central narrative for the upcoming season. The recent signing of another player, discussed in relation to Anfernee Simons‘ departure, further illustrates the team’s active approach to roster management.
For more insights into the Portland Trail Blazers’ recent activities, fans can visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.
In the current NBA landscape, teams are increasingly prioritizing sustainable team building. For example, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who also recently missed the playoffs, have seen significant strides by prioritizing draft capital and player development, culminating in a surprise playoff appearance in the 2023-24 season (NBA.com).
