Predicting what Blazers’ starting lineup might realistically look like in 2025-26

C: Donovan Clingan

The Blazers' center position is challenging to predict, as Deandre Ayton could still be in the picture in the 2025-26 season. He's still under contract for next season but will be owed $35.5 million. That's a significant difference from Donovan Clingan's rookie deal, who will be on the books for only $7.2 million that year. It is a matter of when, not if, Clingan will get implemented into the Blazers' starting lineup. Still, it makes sense for Portland to keep Ayton around this season if they don't find the right trade for him.

If Clingan's Summer League performance was any indication, he should be an elite rim protector and rebounder on day one in the NBA. But he also needs time to improve his conditioning and adjust to the speed of the NBA before he plays starter minutes. For instance, Clingan only averaged 22.5 minutes per game during his sophomore season at UConn.

Next offseason would be an excellent opportunity to move Ayton before they potentially risk letting him walk after the 2025-26 season for nothing. Between Camara and Clingan, the Blazers would have an intimidating defensive frontcourt, which would complement their more offensive-minded backcourt.