The Portland Trail Blazers have not made the playoffs since 2021, but their rebuild is just starting. They tried to put pieces around Damian Lillard in his final seasons in Rip City, but could not find a winning formula. The Blazers traded the future Hall of Famer to Milwaukee before the season and are all-in on developing their young talent. There are still questions, and the franchise needs time to answer them.
Portland has a strong head start in their retool. They drafted Scoot Henderson third overall in 2023, and fans should not worry about his rookie struggles. The Blazers have Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe as young improving guards. They must put the right pieces around them to develop into a contender.
Do not be surprised to see them active in the trade market this offseason. The Blazers have multiple veterans who could net strong returns. These players shined this season and improved their stock on the trade market.
5. Malcolm Brogdon
Brogdon won Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 and helped the Celtics reach the conference finals, but Boston jumped at the chance to acquire Jrue Holiday days after Milwaukee sent him to the Blazers. It opened the door for Portland to land Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two first-round picks.
Brogdon only played 39 games and will likely be on the trade block this summer as he enters the final year of his contract. The Blazers are loaded with guard depth and moving Brogdon creates more minutes for their young talent.
Still, Brogdon increased his value by shooting over 41 percent from 3-point range for a second straight year and producing the second-highest per-minute assist average of his career. The veteran turns 32 in December and could still be a valuable role player on a contender.
Can Portland get a protected first-round pick in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon this summer? They may have to settle for a handful of second-rounders, but this season’s play only improved his value. He is not the only Blazer who increased his stock.