Tag: Veterans

The Portland Trail Blazers will almost certainly be one of the NBA’s select group of sellers leading into the February 6 NBA Trade Deadline. With last Sunday being the unofficial start to trade season, the proliferation of both realistic and ridiculous trade suggestions is rife.

The majority of said suggestions pertain to five Portland players over the age of 25 who, for a variety of reasons, could be competing in new colors down the stretch run.

While it’s unlikely all of Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle and Robert Williams III are dealt, it seems at least one or two may be moved. Not only for General Manager Joe Cronin to further the rebuild via the asset collection process, but to also create opportunity for the franchise’s incumbent young core.

Below we rank each veteran based on their contract, age, ability, factors that will decide how valuable they are to a franchise hoping to figure in late April, May and June.

5. Deandre Ayton

Age: 26
Position: Center
Contract Remaining (including 24-25): Two years, $69.6 million
24-25: 18 games, 30.4 minutes, 14.3 points, 10.2 boards, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.9 steals.

Ayton might be the Blazers’ only negative-value contract. If the big Bahamian was earning $10-to-$15 million less a season, his contract would be reasonable, perhaps even positive.

But right now, it’s best described as gaudy.

From afar, Ayton’s numbers describe a relatively productive contributor. Unfortunately, his limited skillset and tendency to disappear and disappoint for stretches makes watchers yearn for more court time from rookie Donovan Clingan and Williams.

In an ideal world, the Blazers probably prefer to move Ayton before Williams, but the former’s contact is no doubt a deal breaker for many prospective trade partners.

One team that might be willing to revive Ayton’s value is the Los Angeles Lakers who have the necessary salary to send north to Oregon. The other is the New Orleans Pelicans who might be willing to part with Zion Williamson, an interesting reclamation project with a uniquely structured, easily waived contract.

Ideal return: Any deal where the Blazers don’t attach further assets or take back awful money.

4. Matisse Thybulle

Age: 27
Position: Wing
Contract Remaining (including 24-25): Two years, $22.6 million (Player Option)
24-25: Yet to play

Thybulle is yet to set foot on a NBA court this season so unless he plays, the Blazers aren’t getting anything of value for him. When fit, the two time All Defensive Second Team honoree has never fallen below the 94th percentile in steals and blocks. He’s an elite defensive playmaker and perfectly fine at the point of attack.

Since arriving in Portland in early 2023, Thybulle has been an average three-point shooter, good enough to keep him on the court to ensure his defensive acumen can shine. If he can get on the court soon, Thybulle’s deal would be considered neutral — a nicely sized annual contract that’s short and inoffensive for the receiving team.

I’m not going to suggest a team because, if healthy, the Australian national team representative pretty much works anywhere.

Ideal return: A young prospect and a couple of seconds (maybe a deep first).

3. Anfernee Simons

Age: 25
Position: Guard
Contract Remaining (including 24-25): Two years, $53.6 million
24-25: 24 games, 31.0 minutes, 17.7 points, 33.2% 3pt, 2.6 boards, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals

Simons has enjoyed a return to form in recent weeks after starting the season relatively cold. Over the past three games, he’s averaged 26.0 points on 38.0 percent from three and 52.0 percent from the field, 2.7 boards, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals.

He can facilitate but it’s not his forte. Simons is best described as a combo guard, able to score at all three levels, particularly from beyond the arc. If he could play at least average defense, Simons might be higher on this list, or perhaps even considered untradeable by the org.

One thing that might be keeping him from being moved is the poor play from Scoot Henderson. While the Blazers are fine losing games, the thought of proceeding with Henderson as a starter could impact and potentially stunt his teammates.

If he can maintain his recent form, he may be a target for his hometown Orlando Magic or the San Antonio Spurs. I’m also looking at the Denver Nuggets but it’s tricky given the Colorado franchise’s assets, or lack thereof.

Ideal return: A non-lottery first round pick, a young prospect and filler

2. Robert Williams III

Age: 27
Position: Center
Contract Remaining (including 24-25): Two years, $25.7 million
24-25: 9 games, 17.6 minutes, 9.4 points, 5.4 boards, 1.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, 0.9 steals

I dithered between Simons and Williams here but the size of the center’s deal is infinitely more trade-friendly.

For a guy who’s only played nine of 27 games, Williams has had a real impact. It’s a true shame that injury has deprived Blazers fans of seeing more of the big man. Among bigs, he’s first in points per shot attempt, third in effective field goal percentage, seventh in block rate, eighth in scoring at the rim and 10th in steal rate.

The former All Defensive Second Team recipient and Defensive Player of the Year consideration is effective on both sides of the ball. His athleticism, energy and smarts make him an attractive piece for any team lacking size.

I don’t think Williams is dealt until much closer to the deadline to ensure he can prove his health but I’m confident there are at least a handful of suitors. Right now, I’m looking at the New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies, Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ideal return: Assuming he stays a healthy, a non-lottery first round pick and a rotation player.

1. Jerami Grant

Age: 30
Position: Forward
Contract Remaining (including 24-25): Four years, $132.4 million (Player Option)
24-25: 25 games, 33.0 minutes, 16.0 points, 37.9% 3pt, 3.7 boards, 2.4 assists, 1.0 blocks, 1.0 steals

Yes, his deal runs longer than a receiving team would like. Yes, his rebound rate is a little anaemic for a power forward. But, in the same way PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford helped last season’s Dallas Mavericks, Jerami Grant would help a contending team embarking on a deep playoff run.

Grant is a legitimate three-point threat from both forward positions, he can slash and get to the line, creating for himself and others. When motivated he can defend multiple positions and serve at the point of attack in certain situations.

While some might balk at the length of his deal, Grant is earning an annual rate akin to a contending team’s third best player. I can see the Lakers, Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets or Miami Heat assimilating the former Syracuse product into their respective lineups.

Ideal return: Two non-lottery first round picks (or one good one), a young prospect and filler.

Conclusion

The Blazers will almost certainly trade one player before the February 6 deadline. There’s a good chance they trade two and I wouldn’t put it past them to deal three.

Grant is going to bring back the best return but don’t be surprised if Cronin can get value for Williams, Simons and Thybulle, particularly if the latter can return soon. Any 2025 first round picks he can get out of said deals will be particularly helpful, given the perceived talent in next year’s draft class.