The Portland Team Blazers are a team to closely monitor this offseason. Given their financial dilemma, it seems inevitable that Portland will make a trade this summer. They are in a uniquely horrible spot as a team that finished at the bottom of the Western Conference but still lacks financial flexibility. As the Blazers navigate their post-Lillard era, trading these three established players will be vital to their rebuild.
1. Malcolm Brogdon
Malcolm Brogdon is the most obvious candidate for Rip City to trade this offseason. For one, the Blazers are overcrowded at the guard position between Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. Brogdon is by far the oldest of the group at 31; although he is content with his leadership role in Portland, he could be the odd man out due to his age not fitting the Blazers' rebuilding timeline.
Another factor to consider is Brogdon's contract, an expiring deal of $22.3 million. It's going to be much easier for General Manager Joe Cronin to find a trade partner for Brogdon because it won't be a long-term commitment, and the price tag will likely reflect the fact that Brogdon could walk at the end of the season if the Blazers don't trade him.
Given Brogdon's talent, it doesn't even make financial sense for the Blazers to re-sign him if he did want to return to Portland. The substantial contract won't make sense for a rebuilding team that is already trying to get out of the luxury tax and first apron as is.