Portland Trail Blazers 2021 Roster: What the Team Looks Like after All the Trades and Signings

The Portland Trail Blazers went through a twist of fate when they picked Damian Lillard sixth overall in 2012 and hired Terry Stotts as a coach. While Damian became the Rookie of the Year, Terry helped the team to seven consecutive playoff runs. However, the 2019-20 season remained their worst (35-39) in the past seven years, with them getting knocked out in round 1. It was only obvious that they would move many pieces here and there to come back stronger, and they seem to have a good job with this. 

Portland Trail Blazers transactions: Players signed via trades and free agency

The Blazers had quite a busy first day in the free agency. First and foremost, they acquired Enes Kanter (from the Celtics) in a three party deal by allowing Mario Hezonja to the Memphis Grizzlies. This will be Enes Kanter’s second stint with the Blazers. His last one had come in 2018-19 where he averaged 13.1 points and helped them to the WC finals. A $3 million salary for one such rotation player is not bad.

The Blazers re-signed Rodney Hood by offering him a 2-year $10 million deal to ensure that they have a 2-way player at their disposal. He can cover two-and-three positions coming off the bench and his three-point accuracy remains exceptional. Last year, he had a 49.3% accuracy in the 21 games that he played. The addition of Derrick Jones Jr. is more good news for the Blazers. The 6’6” small forward is young, athletic, and a very versatile guard. He too can be impactful on both ends of the court.

Harry Giles has also locked his fate with the Blazers in a one-year deal. He could not show-up in his rookie year (with the Kings) because of his knee problems. However, he adds to the young core of the Blazers.

Players the Blazers lost

With all the aforementioned signings, the Blazers have ensured a good bench strength for themselves, just in case their starting five needs a shuffle. They packaged their first-round 2020 (#16) and 2021 (lottery) pick, along with Trevor Ariza to acquire Robert Covington from the Rockets, but that’s a welcome move ahead of the upcoming season.

Losing Mario Hezonja who is a tail-end player won’t hurt them much and hence it seems to have been the perfect off-season for them. Their roster will also have Zach Collins, Nassir Little, CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic, Anfernee Simons, and Gary Trent Jr. among others. Carmelo Anthony’s fate yet to be decided, but Damian Lillard will be happy moving with this new team.