The NBA is buzzing with the possibility of expansion, and it looks like Seattle and Las Vegas are in the spotlight. If the league gives the green light, the current 30 teams will face the tough task of deciding which eight players to protect from the draft.
For the Portland Trail Blazers, this presents a unique challenge. They’re juggling a mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans. With a focus on nurturing their young core, they’re also mindful of the ticking clock on their veteran stars, Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, both hitting 35.
So, who should the Blazers shield from an expansion draft?
Portland will likely protect most of their young guns. Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, and Yang Hansen are virtual locks. The first three have shown they’re foundational pieces, while the latter trio boasts too much potential to let go.
And, of course, Damian Lillard, arguably the greatest player in franchise history, remains indispensable. His team-friendly contract and the Blazers’ need for shooting and playmaking make him a no-brainer to keep.
That leaves one spot open, and several players are making strong cases for it.
Our choice? Vit Krejci.
While his shooting hasn’t dazzled since joining Portland, his career stats suggest he’ll bounce back to his near 40% three-point shooting. Although Sidy Cissoko or Kris Murray might align better with a defensive strategy, prioritizing shooting is crucial.
Could the expansion draft be a blessing in disguise for Portland?
Another path for the Blazers would be to hold onto veterans like Jerami Grant or Jrue Holiday, who align with a win-now approach alongside Lillard. Yet, the risks with these veterans are hard to ignore.
Grant, not long ago, was seen as a liability with his hefty $160 million contract and limited impact as a scorer. Meanwhile, Holiday had a rough patch in Boston, and despite a resurgence in Portland, his age, injury history, and contract are concerning.
There’s a scenario where both players become negative assets. They’re aging and expensive, with player options in 2027-28 exceeding $36 million.
Overpaying veterans might make sense if Portland were contenders, but they’re not there yet. Prioritizing their young core is the smarter play, with Lillard being the exception. Grant is a favorite of GM Joe Cronin, but an expansion draft might be the nudge Portland needs to steer clear of costly veterans.
In the long run, Portland’s future looks brighter without these financial burdens, despite what the front office might think. An expansion draft could be the catalyst for a much-needed shift in strategy.