Fairly compensated
4. Malcolm Brogdon
A case can be made that Brogdon is overpaid because of his injury history and awkward fit as an older guard in a young backcourt, but for what he provided this season, his $22.5 million salary - which becomes an expiring this summer - seems fair.
The 31-year-old took the reigns from Henderson when the rookie struggled. That took some burden and pressure off of Scoot's shoulders, but Brogdon was also his usual efficient, productive self. Before being shut down after the all-star break, he averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 assists with only 1.5 turnovers on shooting splits of 44/41/82.
3. Anfernee Simons
Simons, an improving 24-year-old in his first year functioning as the Blazers' top offensive option while playing on a team-friendly four-year, $100 million deal is the most valuable contract on the books.
He's dealt with injuries this season, but the six-year vet is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds and assists while remaining an efficient, high-volume shooter. Ant's role in Portland's rebuild is still to be determined; there's certainly a place for him on the roster, but he's also the franchise's most valuable trade asset.
The fact that only two players belong in this category is probably a reason why the Blazers are one of these uncommon rebuilding yet expensive rosters.