The Portland Trail Blazers never had playoff aspirations for 2024-25. The success of this season was always going to be measured by what they accomplished to improve their rebuild, including player development, their 2025 draft pick, and trades GM Joe Cronin makes at the deadline.
The trade deadline is essential for every team, but especially the Blazers, who are expected to be sellers with several potential players being made available. Feb. 6 is an important date to watch as that's the actual trade deadline, but Dec. 15 is another date to monitor as well, as it unofficially marks the beginning of trade season with the first wave of trade restrictions being lifted.
ESPN Insider Bobby Marks notes, "85 free agents signed in the offseason will be eligible to be traded" on Dec. 15. Marks lists all 85 players but also makes an important note regarding the Blazers—they have a $6.9 million large trade exception, meaning they "can acquire a player without sending back salary because of a previously created trade exception."
Regarding the players eligible to be traded, Portland doesn't have any on the list, as they didn't have any free-agency signings this past summer. Several names also don't make for ideal trade targets since they are veterans who don't fit their rebuilding timeline, but two stood out as strong fits.
1. De'Anthony Melton, Golden State Warriors
De'Anthony Melton played a vital role as a 3-and-D guard early in the season for the Warriors before undergoing ACL surgery after playing six games. Golden State sits fifth in the Western Conference at 14-9 and could be open to moving Melton for a player who can make an impact for them this season, as they can't waste a single season with a 36-year-old Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, the Blazers' 2024-25 season is already lost in terms of their playoff hopes. They can afford to be much more patient with Melton's recovery than the Warriors.
Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype names Melton as a top NBA trade candidate, saying his "$12.82 million expiring contract could still be a trade asset to match salaries for another player or intrigue a team trying to dump salary." That doesn't necessarily apply to Portland's situation unless Melton's salary is part of a much bigger trade with the Warriors they are pursuing. Still, the Blazers should prioritize targeting Melton.
Melton would fit the Blazers' rebuilding timeline at 26, but he also fits the roster in terms of addressing glaring weaknesses with his defense and floor spacing. Admittedly, Melton would be a risky trade target since there's always a possibility that he will walk in free agency at the end of the season. But that, and the fact he's currently injured, would also likely be baked into the Warriors' asking price.
2. Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are a team that could be active at the trade deadline. But Jalen Smith may be more difficult to land than Melton, as there's been nothing to suggest he's a trade candidate. He also fits their timeline at 24 and could be in store for an increased role if they were to move Nikola Vucevic, someone who has been named a trade candidate by Scotto.
Still, Chicago could be open to moving Smith if it's part of a larger package, similar to the Warriors with Melton. Lonzo Ball is another name that the Blazers should target; perhaps GM Joe Cronin could figure out a deal that gets both of them from the Windy City to Rip City, although the fact that both are rebuilding teams who are expected to be sellers adds another layer of complexity.
At the very least, Smith is worth inquiring about for Portland. He's averaging 8.0 points and 5.1 rebounds in 14.8 minutes on 46/36/79 shooting splits. The Bulls have him playing backup center, but Smith can play either power forward or center, especially given his floor spacing ability.
That positional versatility would be helpful for Portland as it would give them more flexibility to make deals going forward with their unfinished roster. For instance, if the Blazers were to move Jerami Grant, Smith could slide in and provide power forward depth. Similarly, if Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, or Duop Reath get traded, Smith can also play the five spot.
The Blazers' best-case scenario would be trading Grant and Ayton, their two highest players, and having Smith as an insurance policy for both positions. He could primarily play power forward but slide up a position if anything were to happen to Williams, who has an extensive injury history.