Group B: Quality starters, but are they worth their contract?
7. Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton is the most overpaid Trail Blazers player heading into the 2024-25 season, owed a team-high $34 million next year. But he's still a double-double machine, averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his first season with the Blazers. Ayton is a legitimate starting center in the league despite the concerns surrounding his consistency and motor.
If the Blazers decide to move on from Ayton—which very well could be the case after selecting Donovan Clingan as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft—there should be some teams out there desperate enough for a starting center that would be willing to give up assets for Ayton.
6. Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant, owed $29.8 million next season, is similar to Ayton in terms of being an overpaid player but also a quality starter. Grant is talented enough to be the third or fourth piece on a contending team. Multiple teams have reportedly been interested in trading for Grant, including the Mavericks and Lakers, among others, highlighting his value around the league despite the contract. Given his length, versatility, and three-point shooting, Grant can seamlessly fit into any roster.