Blazers Remain in Rebuild Despite Aggressive Offseason, Says Insider

The Portland Trail Blazers have made some aggressive moves this offseason in order to try to make the playoffs next season. Portland decided to trade for Jrue Holiday and sign Damian Lillard.

While Lillard won't play at all next season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, Holiday looks to be a big part of their guard rotation. They will also have a new starting center next year after they decided to buy out Deandre Ayton.

Despite making these moves with the playoffs in mind, one NBA insider doesn't believe they are still in rebuild mode.

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The Trail Blazers are still considered to be rebuilding, according to Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton of ESPN. They believe they still have a long way to go to contend for a playoff spot in the crowded Western Conference.

"The Trail Blazers now have a large collection of young talent -- Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, and Yang Hansen are all under 25 -- that they're hoping to grow with after acquiring veterans Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard this summer. It does remain unclear what shape the roster will take as that talent sorts itself out."

They believe that the young players have to show that they can actually contribute to winning before the Blazers start thinking about making the playoffs, which is a fair thought.

Holiday brings some title-winning experience to a team full of guys who have never played in the playoffs, which should help them. Still, they have a lot of unproven talent that needs to move into a new role.

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The Blazers have to hope that some of those young guys are ready to grow up in a hurry if they are going to have any hope of usurping some of the very good teams in the West for a playoff spot.

Portland still has a couple of moves to make, mainly getting rid of Robert Williams III. They can also make some moves at the trade deadline to further help their playoff push.

Once Lillard is fully healthy for the 2026-27 season, they will definitely be pushing for the playoffs.

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For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.