The Blazers were closely monitored as a team to potentialy make a significant trade deadline move last season; they had veterans on their roster, including Malcolm Brogdon and Jerami Grant, and were out of the playoff conversations, meaning they could've been a trade partner for a contending team looking to add another piece to make a playoff run. Instead, general manager Joe Cronin made only one minor deal, trading with the Boston Celtics for guard Dalano Banton.
The Blazers gave up an insignificant asset in the exchange, a top-55 protected 2027 second-round pick, unlikely to convey. The Blazers were not only given Banton but also $3 million in cash considerations. Although many expected a more significant trade deadline deal, acquiring Banton was still suitable for Cronin and the Blazers. In his 30 games played with Portland, Banton averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Reason No. 1: Banton's positional size fits a team need
The 6-foot-8 Banton is such a unique guard in terms of his length and point-forward skill set that he adds another dimension to their roster. Although Portland already has a plethora of guards, most of them have redundant skill sets. They already have enough ball-dominant playmakers and need to keep around a more well-rounded, defensively switchable guard like Banton.
Portland's guards are also undersized, with Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons being 6-foot-3. The Blazers were dead last in the league in defensive rebounding, and Banton's 4.8 rebounds per game he averaged with Portland this season could also help in that aspect. Banton wouldn't see the 19.4 minutes per game that he played this season, but keeping him around next season gives head coach Chauncey Billups more lineup flexibility, giving him a guard off his bench he can go to in a specific, limited role when they need more positional size.
Reason No. 2: Blazers' injuries and roster uncertainty
Although Portland currently has a plethora of guards, that may not be the case as next season unfolds. With limited free agency flexibility due to their cap situation, it makes sense for the Blazers to keep Banton around for added guard depth. The point forward is already familiar with Portland's system and had a relatively productive end-of-season stint with the team despite his inefficient shooting.
The Blazers will almost certainly make a trade this offseason to avoid taking on luxury tax obligations. Although the Blazers could make a few key players available for trade, including Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons, Malcolm Brogdon is the most likely trade candidate. Brogdon, 31, makes the most sense as the Blazers have an excess of talented guards; he's on a $22.5 million expiring contract and doesn't fit their rebuilding timeline.
The Blazers rolled out 40 different starting lineups this season, second to only the Memphis Grizzlies. Regarding Portland's guards, Shaedon Sharpe only played 32 games, Brogdon 39, Anfernee Simons 46, and Scoot Henderson 62. As Hoops Rumors' Rory Maher mentions in theirPortland Trail Blazers Offseason Preview regarding Portland's injuries - it's fair to question how many of them, especially towards the end of the season, were a result of the Blazers attempting to land a better draft pick.
It's preferable to keep Banton around and not have to play him if their guards remain healthy and aren't part of a trade rather than being depleted by injuries like last season and wishing he was still around. Especially since it only costs the Blazers $2.2 million to retain him.
Reason No. 3: Banton fits Portland's rebuilding timeline
Banton is only 24 years old and fits well with the direction in which the Blazers are taking their roster. While he'll likely never become a consistent starting-level player, there's reason to keep a player of Banton's archetype as a lengthy, versatile guard in Portland's rebuilding plans, even if that means making another move to clear roster space room for him.
Banton's most considerable weakness in his game is his shooting, connecting on just 40.4 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from three last season. But he's a hard worker who has progressed as a shooter since entering the league - Banton only shot 25.5 percent from three his rookie season with the Raptors.
Another aspect of Banton's game he can improve on is his decision-making skills, especially if he wants to have a long NBA career as a guard. In the 30 games with the Blazers, Banton averaged 3.6 assists and 2.2 turnovers per game, which is not an ideal assist-to-turnover ratio. One good thing to note regarding Banton's decision-making is that the Blazers put him in a more prominent role due to their injuries.
In other words, if he were to stay next season, Banton wouldn't be relied on as heavily to initiate the offense and would be more of a situational role player, which is a better fit given his current skill set. The Blazers shouldn't be in any rush to contend. Banton is a low-risk flyer that the Blazers should take a chance on and be patient with as he continues improving his shooting and playmaking.