5 Key Portland Trail Blazers that definitely shouldn’t return next season

Despite all playing significant roles this season, the Blazers need to move on from these five key contributors this summer.

Mar 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2)
Mar 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) | Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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4. Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon is currently involved in numerous trade rumors. Brogdon's injuries limited him to only 39 games this season with the Blazers, but he was productive on the court. Brogdon averaged 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game.

There are multiple reasons to keep Brogdon around. For one, he's reportedly happy to be in Portland.
He's also a solid veteran presence and could particularly help the Blazers' young backcourt develop. Lastly, Brogdon helps fill the Blazers' biggest offseason need as a shooter—he was the most efficient three-point shooter on the team at 41.2 percent. But the reasons to part ways with the former Sixth Man of the Year outweigh the reasons to keep him around.

The Blazers' point guard situation is already too crowded, and trading Brogdon will give their young guards more opportunities to get playing experience. Brogdon doesn't fit in with the Blazers timeline at 31 years old, not to mention he is often injured. Brogdon has only eclipsed 60 games in his eight-year career in three seasons.

With Brogdon's contract expiring, this may be the best time to move the Blazers guard. He was also heavily involved in trade rumors at last year's deadline. He is already piquing interest from teams around the league. Practically every team could use a veteran point guard who can come in and orchestrate the offense within the game's flow while spacing the floor for star players to operate.

Brogdon is an underrated player who would be an excellent addition to any team he plays for. However, he doesn't fit the Blazers' direction or positional need.

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