The Portland Trail Blazers may not be in the playoff picture just yet, but they’re building something-and it’s starting to look real. In a league where the term untouchable is thrown around sparingly, Portland has every reason to hold tight to a few key pieces. While other teams at the bottom of the standings are fielding calls and flipping assets, the Blazers have a young core that’s showing enough promise to warrant protection, not liquidation.
Let’s break down the three players who should be off-limits for Portland as the trade deadline approaches-not because of stubbornness, but because they’re shaping the identity of a team finally headed in the right direction.
1. Deni Avdija - The Breakout Star Portland’s Been Waiting For
Deni Avdija is having the kind of season that turns heads-and maybe even earns All-Star nods. He’s putting up 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, and doing it with the kind of poise and polish that makes you forget he’s only 25. This isn’t just a hot streak; it’s a full-blown breakout.
Avdija has emerged as the face of the franchise, and it’s not just about the numbers. It’s the way he controls the tempo, makes reads out of the pick-and-roll, and defends with purpose.
He’s giving Portland a real foundation-one they haven’t had since the peak Dame years. And with a team-friendly contract, the value he brings goes well beyond the box score.
If you’re Portland, you’re not picking up the phone to entertain offers for Avdija. You’re picking up the phone to find the right pieces to put around him.
Because if this is what he looks like now, imagine what he’ll be when the Blazers round out the roster with complementary talent. The ceiling is still rising.
2. Damian Lillard - The Icon Who Isn’t Going Anywhere
Damian Lillard may not be the engine of this rebuild, but he’s still part of its heart. Whether or not he returns to peak form next season, his presence alone carries weight. His deep shooting range, veteran leadership, and connection to the city make him more than just a player-he’s a symbol of the franchise.
And then there’s the no-trade clause. Lillard holds one of the rarest pieces of leverage in the NBA, and it essentially makes him immovable.
But even if that weren’t the case, it’s hard to imagine the Blazers moving on from a player who’s meant so much to the organization. He’s earned the right to be part of this next chapter, even if his role evolves.
At this point, anything Dame gives you on the court is a bonus. His value lies in the culture he’s helped build-and in the mentorship he can offer to a young group finding its footing.
3. Donovan Clingan - The Defensive Anchor of the Future
This is where things get interesting. Donovan Clingan might not have the name recognition of Avdija or the legacy of Lillard, but he’s quickly becoming essential to what Portland is trying to build. He’s anchoring the defense, cleaning the glass, and protecting the rim like a seasoned pro-not a young center still finding his way.
What’s even more intriguing is the offensive development. Clingan has added a reliable three-point shot to his arsenal, and that’s changed the equation entirely.
He’s no longer just a rim-runner or a shot-blocker. He’s starting to look like a modern big who can stretch the floor, roll hard to the rim, and switch when needed.
In a league that’s always chasing the next star, it might be tempting to package young talent for a big name. But trading Clingan would mean giving up a cornerstone before he’s even had the chance to fully develop. The Blazers’ improved defensive identity starts with him-and that’s not something you give up lightly.
The Bigger Picture
Portland’s not just surviving this season-they’re slowly but surely building something sustainable. And that starts with knowing who to keep and who to move. Avdija is blossoming into a star, Clingan is anchoring the defense, and Lillard remains the emotional core of the team.
The trade deadline will bring offers. That’s a given.
But for the Blazers, the smartest move might be the one they don’t make. Hold onto the guys who are helping shape your identity.
Build around them. And let this core grow together.
Because sometimes, the best trades are the ones you never make.