The Portland Trail Blazers are going to be in the middle of multiple trade rumors during the Summer of 2026. A team with valuable assets, no current draft picks, and a thirst for improvement is going to pique the interest of rival GM’s and media members alike. Whether or not the Blazers end up making a big deal, they’re going to be mentioned in two dozen.
That means that Portland fans will spend the next few months on the edge of their collective seats, wondering who’s going to be on the team in October
and who might be wearing a different uniform.
Before all the hubbub gets underway, here’s an important question. If someone asked you to name ONE Trail Blazers player the team absolutely should not, must not, and dare not trade, which player would you name?
Before the chorus rings out, “DENI AVDIJA, DUMMY!” we’re going to say besides him. We know that Deni is the closest thing to an untouchable star the Blazers have. We’re asking you to name the other guy on your list that you really, really hope they don’t move.
Note that this doesn’t have to be a completely logical exercise. Maybe you think a player is going to develop in the future and you’d be upset if the Blazers gave up on his potential. Maybe you’ve crunched the numbers and somebody has a production-to-salary ratio that can’t miss. Or maybe you just have personal favorite! All of those are OK. Just share your one player (besides Deni) who should not be moved this summer and explain why you’re choosing that player.
Note, however, that we didn’t say two. We didn’t say, “Give us a list.” Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin comes to you and says, “[Insert Name Here], we’re protecting ONE player from this roster this summer no matter what. Who should it be?” How would you respond? Share your answer in the comments section below!
