Blazers Stock Watch: 5 Players Portland should sell high on

The time is right for the Blazers to explore trades for these five players.

Mar 22, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles the ball while defended by  LA Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Anfernee Simons (1) dribbles the ball while defended by LA Clippers small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports | Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Jerami Grant

Similarly to Simons, Jerami Grant is another starter that the Blazers should move while he's at peak trade value. There are teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, among others, who are looking to be buyers but missed out on multiple targets in trade and free agency; this could potentially cause the Blazers to receive a more lucrative deal for Grant.

Grant's not a part of Portland's rebuilding plans at 30 years old. It makes sense that Cronin is patiently listening to offers for him. The Blazers' shallowest positions are their forward spots, so Grant isn't taking away minutes and opportunities to gain more experience from up-and-coming players to the extent that Simons is.

Still, the Blazers must trade Grant while he's still in his prime. The salary cap is expected to increase, but Grant's contract—with a player option in the 2027-28 season for $36.4 million, when he'll be 33—is much more likely to turn teams away the older he gets and the more money he's owed.

The NBA is an ever-evolving league; unexpected stars could be made available by the 2025 trade deadline. The Blazers need to trade Grant while he's at the top of other teams' list in terms of players available on the trade market. He's also arguably Portland's best player, and moving him soon will help ensure a top draft pick in 2025.

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