2 Winners & 4 Losers from the Blazers Offseason So Far

The Portland Trail Blazers are coming off their first playoff appearance in four years, and they are putting their foot on the gas when it comes to trying to improve their team.

The Blazers acquired Ja Morant in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason, in hopes that adding a top-tier playmaker can elevate the team's ceiling. While Morant comes to the team with a chance to resurrect his career, other players are affected by that. The Blazers also made some free agency decisions that have positive and negative impacts on players' careers.

Here is a look at the winners and losers of the Blazers' offseason so far.

Winner: Ja Morant

Ja Morant watches from the bench during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Morant was brought to Portland just before the start of free agency in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.

Morant was frustrated with his situation in Memphis, as the team that he helped build was beginning to move on. Morant's trade value dropped after missing 62 games this past season, but now he has a chance to earn a fresh start with Portland.

The Blazers were 42-40 last season, but adding Morant gives them the chance to get closer to becoming a 50-win squad. Morant will have a lot of responsibility as one of the team's leading guards, and he will have a chance to showcase his talents alongside players that will help him reach his goals.

Loser: Deni Avdija

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija during the second half of game five. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Morant's arrival could limit Deni Avdija's usage rate. Avdija was Portland's primary scorer last season, and he ultimately became an All-Star because of it. Avdija was notching a career high in scoring with 24.2 points per game, making him one of the top scorers in the league.

Avdija's role will definitely change with Morant and Damian Lillard joining the court, transitioning from on-ball more to off-ball, but he will have to find a way to adapt because he is too important for Portland to put on the bench.

Avdija played more of an off-ball role when he was with the Washington Wizards, but given how his career trajectory was moving, this is definitely a step back.

Loser: Scoot Henderson

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson warms up before game four of the first round. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Henderson was building a lot of momentum for himself after missing most of the season with a torn left hamstring. He played in 30 games for the Blazers down the stretch, averaging 14.5 points per game. He also started all five games for the Blazers during their first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs, but that likely won't be the case in the upcoming season.

Henderson scored in double figures in each of the first three games of the series, including a team-high 31 on 11-of-17 shooting in the team's Game 2 victory.

The additions of Lillard and Morant will limit Henderson's playing time and take the ball out of his hands. There will be a good chance that new head coach Micah Nori will stagger their minutes, and at least one of them will be on the court at all times.

Henderson is entering a contract year, which only makes things even more difficult. He will have to find a way to have an impact even if the ball is not in his hands as often.

Loser: Jrue Holiday

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday against the Phoenix Suns. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The same sentiment applies to veteran guard Jrue Holiday, but his defense will still make him a key part of Portland's puzzle. His minutes took a dip last season, from 30 to 29, and he will likely take an even steeper dip in the upcoming season if Lillard, Morant, and Henderson can find a way to stay healthy.

Holiday also missed 29 games for the Blazers this past season, showing signs of slowing down as he enters his age-36 season. This could be a good thing for Holiday to keep his career intact, but he will have to adapt and learn how to play a new role for the team.

Winner: Robert Williams III

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III enters Moda Center to play against the LA Clippers. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Williams is the only free agent the Blazers had that opted to return. He signed a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Blazers just ahead of free agency, keeping him with the team until 2029.

Year	Salary
2026-27	$14 million
2027-28	$14.5 million
2028-29	$15 million

Williams is establishing himself as the team's backup center for the foreseeable future, and it is well-deserved. Williams brought a lot of veteran presence and energy to the team last season backing up Donovan Clingan and giving the team another rim protector. The hope is that he can stay healthy and play a pivotal role in the second unit once again.

Loser: Yang Hansen

Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen reacts during warm ups. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Some believed that Williams' impending free agency would open the door for 2025 first-round pick Yang Hansen to take over. Unfortunately, Williams' deal is now longer than Yang's, which compromises his future with the team.

Although he is only going into his second season, Yang is still incredibly raw, and he firmly has two players ahead of him on the depth chart. Portland truly wants to build around Clingan at the position, and with Williams' new deal, it's looking like the team isn't expecting Yang to be part of their plans moving forward.

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