Ranking 5 Portland Trail Blazers most likely to be traded next

The Portland Trail Blazers solved most of their offseason issues through the Malcolm Brogdon trade. They cleared their backcourt logjam, got under the luxury tax, and received a promising two-way wing in Deni Avdija. Still, they are in no position to be content with their roster after finishing last in the Western Conference with a 21-61 record.

As their record indicates, there are multiple holes for the Blazers to address. Adding Avdija and No. 7 overall draft pick Donovan Clingan is a significant step in the right direction, but numerous players could still be on the move as soon as this summer as they continue to focus on their rebuild.

5. Deandre Ayton

The Deandre Ayton trade rumors have gotten somewhat overblown following the Blazers' selection of Clingan. Currently, the Blazers seem set on opening the 2024-25 NBA season with Ayton and Clingan on their roster. Head coach Chauncey Billups has even mentioned his interest in testing a lineup with both Ayton and Clingan simultaneously on the floor; this isn't to say that Ayton is untouchable - the Blazers could ultimately decide to move forward with Clingan as their franchise center and trade away Ayton if playing the two together doesn't work - hence why he makes the list.

The Blazers seem to value Ayton higher than he is perceived around the league. He could still get traded away this summer, but given Ayton's inconsistent play this past season and the fact that he's owed $34 million next season, it's hard to envision a team making a significant offer.