The Portland Trail Blazers have several veterans they should explore trades for leading up to the February 6 trade deadline. However, the challenge in trading these players lies in their market value.
The veterans who start -- Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton -- haven't played well this season according to their respective standards. With their down years and the new CBA further complicating deals, Blazers fans shouldn't expect a massive return for any of Portland's trade candidates this time around.
3. Jerami Grant
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic had an insightful piece breaking down the trade value of players available on the market. Jerami Grant's value is listed as salary matching and second-rounder.
Much has changed since GM Joe Cronin sought two first-round picks for Grant in the summer. They didn't time Grant's market right at all and waited too long to trade him. More options are available on the market now, and Grant hasn't played well this season, averaging just 14.5 points on 38.1 percent shooting.
With two first-round picks not being a realistic option, the best-case scenario for the Blazers is somehow finding a team desperate enough to part with one first-rounder. But, as Vecenie mentions, a more realistic scenario could be just second-round picks.
At this point, Portland needs to consider just about any trade where they get off his burdensome contract a win.
2. Robert Williams III
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto mentioned that Robert Williams III's trade value is multiple second-round picks. That aligns with what Vecenie has listed for Williams as well.
Williams is a highly coveted trade asset. However, the Blazers also reportedly value him highly. Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report said that Portland needs to be 'blown away' with an offer to part ways with their big man.
Multiple second-round picks seem very reasonable, given Williams' injury history and the Blazers' center logjam. But it's also not an exciting offer that screams blown away.
1. Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons is one of the most difficult Blazers to gauge regarding trade value around the league. Vecenie lists his value as 'unclear,' and it's understandable why. Not only have we not read any verified trade rumors surrounding Ant, but Portland also has the same conundrum with Simons that any team trading for him would have.
He's a prolific scorer, but concerns surround his inconsistent play, defensive limitations, and future contract after next season. Any team trading for him would have to sacrifice assets to take on that same problem. That may not be worth it unless a team (such as the Orlando Magic) desperately needs a high-scoring guard.
Still, he's one of the Blazers' best players and just entering his prime at 25. It wouldn't be shocking if the Blazers could find a team willing to part with a first-round pick to land Simons. But hopefully, we gain more clarity surrounding his value this week.