The Portland Trail Blazers are in the spotlight, with teams across the league eyeing veterans Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, and Robert Williams III as potential trade targets.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, multiple organizations are expressing interest as the Blazers weigh their roster strategy.
At 7-17 and building around the younger players, Portland appears to be at a crossroads. Do they lean into a full-scale youth movement or keep veterans to stabilize the locker room?
For contenders, the trio of Grant, Simons, and Williams offers an intriguing mix of scoring, versatility, and defensive upside.
Grant is the most polarizing piece. While his numbers are down to 15.3 points on just 38% shooting, his two-way versatility makes him a valuable asset for playoff teams needing forward depth. But his hefty $160M deal through 2028 might give some GMs pause.
Simons, recovering from a thumb injury, has also struggled to find his groove this season, shooting just 32% from deep. Yet his ability to create off the dribble and score in bunches keeps him on the radar for teams looking for backcourt firepower.
Then there’s Williams, who’s quietly putting up 9.6 points, 6 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks in limited minutes. His defensive presence is tailor-made for teams needing a game-changing big man, though his injury history will be a factor.
Combined, the three account for nearly half of Portland’s payroll, making them prime candidates if the Blazers decide to cut costs and load up on picks or young talent.
With trade season heating up, don’t be surprised if Portland’s veterans find themselves at the center of serious discussions. The clock is ticking, and the Blazers need to decide if it’s time to fully commit to the future.
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