The Portland Trail Blazers are in the midst of a transitional stretch, and their roster reflects that - a blend of promising young talent and veteran contracts that range from savvy to head-scratching. It’s a balancing act that hasn’t always tilted in their favor, but as we head deeper into the 2025-26 season, the financial picture is starting to look a little clearer in Rip City.
Deandre Ayton: A High-Priced Experiment That’s Now in the Rearview
Let’s start with Deandre Ayton. Last season, he was Portland’s top-paid player at $34 million - over $4 million more than the next guy on the payroll.
And if Ayton is your highest-paid player, chances are your team isn’t sniffing the playoffs. That was certainly the case in Portland.
But here’s where things get interesting. The Blazers managed to negotiate a buyout that shaved $10 million off Ayton’s 2025-26 salary.
That’s no small feat. He’s now on a much more manageable two-year, $16.2 million deal elsewhere, and while some fans in Los Angeles are questioning if even that’s too much, Portland can breathe a little easier knowing they’ve moved on from a contract that didn’t match the production.
Jerami Grant: A Rebound Season That Comes With a Decision
Jerami Grant had a rough go in 2025. His numbers - 14.4 points, 3.5 boards, 2.1 assists on just 37.3% shooting - were a steep drop from his previous seasons in Portland.
For a player who doesn’t bring a ton outside of scoring, that kind of inefficiency was a major issue. Simply put, the Blazers weren’t getting enough bang for their buck.
But give credit where it’s due: Grant is bouncing back this season. He’s looking more like the player Portland expected when they signed him, and that resurgence couldn’t come at a better time.
It opens the door for a potential trade - one that might’ve been better executed a year ago, but still holds value now. Whether Portland moves him or not, they’re in a better position with Grant today than they were 12 months ago.
Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle: Defense That Can’t Stay on the Floor
Robert Williams III and Matisse Thybulle are exactly the kind of gritty, defensive-minded veterans that fit the Blazers’ new identity. The problem? They just haven’t been available.
Between the two of them, they played a combined 30 games last season - 20 for Williams, 15 for Thybulle - while earning $23.4 million. That’s roughly $780,000 per appearance. Not exactly a great return on investment.
Both are on expiring contracts, which gives Portland some flexibility heading into the Feb. 5 trade deadline. If a contender is looking for defensive help and willing to roll the dice on health, the Blazers could offload one or both and bring in players who can stay on the court consistently.
The Bigger Picture
Portland’s roster isn’t perfect, but it’s trending in the right direction. The team has leaned into its young core, and with a few veteran contracts either off the books, restructured, or potentially movable, there’s room to maneuver. That kind of financial breathing room matters - especially for a franchise that’s trying to retool without plunging into a full rebuild.
The decisions the Blazers make over the next few weeks - particularly with Grant, Williams, and Thybulle - could shape the rest of the season and beyond. For a team caught between development and competitiveness, every move counts.