Portland Trail Blazers Trade Rumors: Who’s Next to Move After the Team’s Recent Surge?

By Edcel Panganiban June 08, 2025 12:42

The Portland Trail Blazers have quietly been making waves in the 2025 NBA offseason, sparking intense speculation about which players might be on the move next. After a period of steady rebuilding under head coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin, the Blazers showed signs of progress last season, leading many to wonder if the front office will continue to reshape the roster through strategic trades.

Recent Moves and Contract Considerations

Portland enters the offseason with two significant contracts that could be leveraged in trade talks: Jerami Grant, who has three years and over $102 million remaining, and Deandre Ayton, set to earn a team-high $35.5 million in 2025-26 on an expiring deal. Both players have drawn interest around the league, with Ayton’s expiring contract making him a particularly attractive asset for teams seeking to add star power without long-term commitment.

Prominent NBA analyst Zach Lowe recently linked the Blazers to a potential blockbuster trade with the Sacramento Kings involving Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis, whose father Arvydas Sabonis is a Portland legend, would bring All-NBA caliber talent to Oregon. However, the Kings would likely demand multiple first-round picks in addition to Ayton, making the trade a high-stakes proposition for Portland. Lowe posed the question: “Would Sabonis be worth a potential outpouring of Deandre Ayton and multiple draft picks?”

Young Core and Trade Possibilities

Beyond Grant and Ayton, the Blazers have a promising young core featuring Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Jabari Walker. Yet, rumors suggest Simons could be on the move as part of a deal to bring in a star point guard like Darius Garland from Cleveland, according to a recent Bleacher Report mock trade. This scenario would see Portland package Simons, Jerami Grant, and draft picks for Garland, aiming to accelerate their playoff push with a proven floor general.

Jabari Walker, entering restricted free agency, is viewed as a valuable depth piece who could be retained on a cost-controlled deal, providing flexibility as the Blazers balance youth and experience.

Potential Trade Targets and Market Dynamics

The Blazers’ front office is reportedly open to exploring trades that maximize future draft equity while also adding talent that fits their long-term vision. While some rumors have floated the possibility of acquiring stars like LaMelo Ball or even Giannis Antetokounmpo, these remain highly speculative given Portland’s market size and current assets.

More realistic targets include players who can complement the Blazers’ defensive identity and provide scoring punch without disrupting team chemistry. The team’s cap situation roughly $17 million below the luxury tax threshold gives them access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, a valuable tool for adding role players or sweetening trade packages.

Outlook: Balancing Growth and Competitiveness

Portland’s recent surge has created a delicate balancing act for GM Joe Cronin. The team is projected to win between 35 and 41 games next season, with hopes of returning to the playoffs. Yet, the Blazers must decide whether to continue building patiently around their young core or make bold moves to accelerate contention.

Cronin has emphasized a flexible approach: “We want to build a sustainable contender. That means making smart decisions on contracts, player development, and trades that align with our vision.”

The Trail Blazers’ offseason will likely feature significant roster activity as they look to capitalize on their recent momentum. With key contracts like Jerami Grant’s and Deandre Ayton’s potentially on the block, and young stars like Anfernee Simons possibly included in trade discussions, Portland is poised for a transformative period.

Whether through acquiring a star like Domantas Sabonis or Darius Garland or accumulating draft assets for the future, the Blazers’ front office is navigating a complex but promising path. Fans can expect a dynamic offseason as Portland seeks to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term growth in the evolving Western Conference landscape.