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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5. Dalano Banton

The Blazers took their own low-risk flier on Dalano Banton last season, acquiring him as well as cash considerations from the Celtics for a heavily protected second-round pick (that most likely won't convey)—credit to Banton for taking advantage of his increased opportunity in Portland. He was productive in 30 games with the Blazers, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. But he was also inefficient, shooting only 40.8 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from beyond the arc.

Even with Malcolm Brogdon out of the picture for this upcoming season, it's unlikely Banton plays close to the 29.2 minutes per game he saw last season with the Blazers. He's not going to have the same role or green light that he was given last season as multiple players, including Shaedon Sharpe, come back from injury.

Ideally, the Blazers' long-term point guard to spell Scoot Henderson is more of a floor general than Banton. He's a score-first guard who had 2.2 turnovers per game to go along with those 3.6 assists, which is a poor assist-to-turnover ratio.

If Rip City doesn't view Banton as their long-term backup point guard, now would be a good time to flip him. His numbers will likely decrease with a diminished role next season.

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