Arguably no team has undergone more change over the course of the year than the Portland Trail Blazers.
They’ve seen their head coach at the start of the 2025-26 season charged in an alleged illegal gambling ring. They surprised and broke through in the NBA Play-In Tournament to make the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. Their interim coach was not retained, despite the success, and their new owner, Tom Dundon, has floated relocation in negotiations to upgrade the Moda Center, the Trail Blazers' home venue.
And, the offseason also saw a big trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to acquire two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who is as dynamic an athlete as there is in the NBA, though his availability has been an issue.
Here's a breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers'
offseason moves and what to expect from them heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
Portland Trail Blazers offseason review
- Record last season: 42-40 (7th in Western Conference)
- Playoff finish: Eliminated in first round (1-4, against Spurs)
- Coach: Micah Nori (first season)
- 2026-27 title odds: +8000 (per BetMGM)
- Projected record : 34-48
- Offseason grade : C+
Key roster additions
- G Ja Morant (trade)
- F Jeremy Sochan (free agent signing)
- F/C Micah Potter (waiver claim)
- C Branden Carlson (free agent signing)
Key roster losses
- F Jerami Grant (trade)
- F Kris Murray (trade)
- G/F Matisse Thybulle (free agency)
Biggest question entering training camp
Can the Trail Blazers find some semblance of stability?
- This was a surprise playoff team, one that had to deal with chaos just days into the 2025-26 regular season, when former head coach Chauncey Billups was charged for his role in an alleged illegal gambling ring. But, after righting the ship and getting the most out of the young Trail Blazer roster, former coach Tiago Splitter was not retained. In comes in first-time coach Micah Nori, who was an excellent assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But Nori was signed to a one-year deal, which is wildly unconventional. It also points to more potential changes in the future, as Portland could theoretically have four different head coaches in four seasons, if Nori is not retained next season. When players cycle between different offensive and defensive philosophies and coaching styles, it can create a whiplash and can stymie the development of younger players. There’s decent talent on this roster, but ownership does these players a disservice by not sticking to a long-term plan.
Projected starting lineup and rotation
Starters
- G Ja Morant
- G Damien Lillard
- F Deni Avdija
- F Toumani Camara
- C Donovan Clingan
Rotation players
- G Scoot Henderson
- G Jrue Holiday
- C Robert Williams III
- G Vit Krejci
- F Sidy Cissoko
- F Jeremy Sochan
- C Micah Potter
- G Blake Wesley
- C Yang Hansen
What to expect in 2026-27 season
Honestly, it’s a little difficult to project. This team has a blend of young and veteran talent. Damian Lillard’s return should provide plenty of perimeter shooting, and Ja Morant could eventually become a low-cost upgrade, if he can return to form and stay healthy. Deni Avdija was a first-time All-Star last season. But, given the tumult in the coaching staff, and given that Micah Nori is a first-time head coach, the Trail Blazers could be a candidate for regression. Whether that comes true or not will hinge on Morant’s ability to assimilate and operate Portland’s offense and whether Lillard has more left in the tank.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Portland Trail Blazers season preview: Lineup, roster and prediction
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