The Portland Trail Blazers are focusing primarily on development and growth as they begin a new NBA season. They enter the year as an unlikely title contender and will use this time to see who will remain part of their young core.

Portland wants to eventually reach a point of contention, but the organization recognizes that may take some time. It may take a few years of patience, but the Trail Blazers are optimistic about their chances.

After years of mediocrity, Portland has finally embraced complete redevelopment. However, there are still a few players on the roster that could give them a good advantage in the trade market.

One of them is center Robert Williams III, who found himself in the middle of a busy frontcourt rotation this season. However, injuries have derailed his last few seasons and interested teams may be a little wary of him.

The Trail Blazers also have center Deandre Ayton and could bring them a significant amount of assets in a deal.

The experienced football player was among the most likely players to be transferred this season. Bailey Basset Grip Points.

“This leaves Deandre Ayton as the odd man out and the most likely player on the Trail Blazers roster to be traded. Ayton was a former number one overall pick and, although extremely talented, never reached that level of potential.”

Ayton has two years left on his current contract and is projected to make a decent amount of money. He is scheduled to earn $34 million this season, and is expected to increase to $35.5 million next season.

His salary could cause some problems in trades, but the former No. 1 overall pick could provide the team with a scoring punch. His inside game has improved and he has shown a physical willingness to rebound since being drafted.

He could be the missing piece on a struggling team in need of a center, and the Trail Blazers could take advantage of the situation. Ayton could probably get them at least a first-round pick in any deal.

He averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game last season in his first season in Portland. Ayton will likely be the starter on this team and will give himself a chance to show what he can do on the field.

Assuming he won’t be part of the Trail Blazers’ rotation, moving him would make sense. We don’t know yet if Portland can do it, but moving him before his contract expires would be a smart move for this team.

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