PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Portland climbed from 21-61 in 2023-24 to 36-46 in 2024-25, then surprised at 42-40 in 2025-26, reaching the playoffs for the first time in five years before losing to San Antonio in five games. Deni Avdija's All-Star breakout (24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists) and Donovan Clingan's emergence as a starting center (12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds) drove the turnaround, while Scoot Henderson battled injuries and inconsistency. The Anfernee Simons trade for Jrue Holiday signaled a shift from rebuilding to competing, cooling interest in Simons cards while Avdija and Clingan became the team's hottest rookie-contract collectibles.

Where they stand: The Blazers made a splash this offseason by trading Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis for Ja Morant, extending Robert Williams III to a three-year, $44 million deal, and bringing back Damian Lillard on a three-year, $45 million contract (though Lillard is expected to miss the 2026-27 season). With no 2026 draft picks after their playoff appearance sent a protected first-rounder to Chicago, Portland enters training camp trying to fit Morant, Lillard, Holiday, and Henderson into a crowded backcourt rotation under new head coach Micah Nori.