Ranking the top 5 Blazers most likely to be moved before the trade deadline

The Portland Trail Blazers are off to a promising 6-8 start to the 2024-25 season, in large part due to a current three-game winning streak over the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves (twice). As a result of their relatively stellar play as of late, certain players' trade values have risen since it's become apparent that they are healthy and impacting winning at a high level. However, there are also players whose trade value has somewhat diminished, especially since they have been out due to injury during the winning streak.

Nonetheless, the Blazers are currently exceeding expectations as far as their win total, which could potentially be more incentive for them to trade key players before February's trade deadline in an attempt to worsen the talent on their roster and position themselves for a better draft pick in the summer of 2025.

No. 5: Anfernee Simons

Anfernee Simons' trade stock has taken a bit of a hit as of late. He only had four points in the Blazers' 45-point blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, then essentially missed all three games in Portland's winning streak, playing only five minutes in the Nov. 11 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves before having to exit due to shortness of breath.

There's reason to question whether or not Simons can significantly contribute to winning as a team's go-to player. The Blazers may also feel less inclined to move Simons due to Scoot Henderson's inconsistent and discouraging play as of late. Portland could be more set on building around a backcourt consisting of Simons and Shaedon Sharpe, making Simons more unlikely to be moved.

No. 4: Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton is another player who has been out during the Blazers' promising run, which isn't ideal for his trade stock. However, the bigger factor teams will consider when deciding whether or not to give up significant assets for the former No. 1 overall pick is Ayton's contract. He's currently Portland's highest-paid player, owed $34 million this season and $35.5 million in 2025-26.

Ayton is still an above-average starting center in the league, but his contract doesn't reflect his impact on winning. GM Joe Cronin could still decide to move Ayton as it's clear that Donovan Clingan is their starting center of the future, especially after his recent performances, most notably a dominant 17-point, 12-rebound, 8-block performance in their win over the Timberwolves. There's the possibility that they keep "DominAyton" if there isn't a trade market for the big man.

No. 3: Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant's contract is also worrisome, but to a lesser extent than Ayton's since the NBA values versatile wings that are efficient from beyond the arc much more than centers that don't provide rim protection or reliably stretch the floor. Grant is owed $29.8 million this season, and that number goes all the way up to $36.4 million with his player option in 2027-28.

Per Sean Highkin of The Rose Graden Report, Grant said that he was "cool here" when asked about the idea of staying in Portland in the midst of their rebuild. Grant seems to be on board with the idea of being the veteran presence and has also genuinely embraced the city. But the Blazers are still years away from being legitimate contenders, and at that point, the 30-year-old Grant will be out of his prime. That has to play a role in Cronin's decision-making.

No. 2: Matisse Thybulle

Matisse Thybulle has yet to play a game in 2024-25 due to right knee inflammation but should be back soon. Thybulle suffered the injury on October 18 and was given an expected recovery timeline of three to four weeks. Once healthy, he's going to be an intriguing trade target for teams looking to add a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team wing to help them make a deep playoff push and guard the opposing team's best player when needed.

The Dallas Mavericks signed Thybulle to an offer sheet when he was a restricted free agent, and he makes sense as a potential suitor, but there are several other teams that should inquire about Thybulle as well. He's 27 years old, so he could potentially fit into the Blazers' rebuilding timeline depending on how quickly Cronin decides to accelerate the rebuild.

Portland should strongly consider moving Thybulle. He's on a reasonable contract ($11 million this season with a player option in 2025-26 for $11.6 million), which makes him an easier piece for the Blazers to move in terms of making the deal work financially.

No. 1: Robert Williams III

Cronin has a difficult decision to make regarding the Blazers' center logjam. Robert Williams III has played exceptionally well in his four games so far and could potentially be the Blazers' long-term backup center behind Clingan if they decide to go that route. It would be intimidating for opposing teams to try and score in the paint against two defensive anchors that both have All-Defensive Team upside (RW3 already made the Second Team in 2022).

But it's also a risky proposition. Unfortunately, Williams has already had a multitude of injuries to the point where he should be deemed injury-prone despite looking fully healthy so far. In other words, Williams' trade value could never be higher than it is now. Cronin and the Blazers certainly are aware of that. Factoring in his late play, the Blazers' center situation, and his injury history, Williams seems the most likely Blazers player to be elsewhere by February.