Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Trail Blazers Mock Trade Sends Deni Avdija-Led Package to Raptors for Former No. 3 Overall Pick

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 9:11 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers will enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2020-21 season.

Of course, Portland fell short of ending their playoff drought last season after making a run in the second half of the season and they will now look to build on that to fight for playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference this season.

Portland has built a solid young core led by Deni Avdija, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan and Shaedon Sharpe and they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot HendersonTroy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

They began the offseason by selecting Yang Hansen in the first round of the 2025 draft before acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in the Anfernee Simons trade.

Portland also reunited with franchise legend Damian Lillard this offseason as they signed him in free agency after he was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.

By making these moves, the Trail Blazers will look to fight for at least a Play-In spot in the West this season with hopes of ending their playoff drought.

Trail Blazers Could Target Raptors' RJ Barrett

While Portland tries to make a run at a playoff spot this season, they could also look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline to upgrade their roster.

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

One player they could target is Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett who continues to be in trade rumors.

Mock Trade Sends Deni Avdija to Raptors for RJ Barrett

In a potential trade, the Trail Blazers could send Avdija and Robert Williams III to the Raptors in exchange for Barrett in a deal that would also likely require both teams to exchange draft capital as well.

Portland Trail Blazers small forward Deni Avdija (8)Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Of course, it would be a tough decision for Portland to move on from Avdija after he played a key role for them last season, though swapping him for Barrett could work out well for them.

For Barrett, he is a great scorer, rebounder and playmaker who would likely become Portland’s starting small forward heading into the new season.

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9)© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Last season, the 25-year-old forward averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 46.8% from the field and 35.0% from three.

The former third overall pick by the New York Knicks has continued to improve in each of his six seasons in the NBA and he could become a key piece to the Trail Blazers’ starting lineup if they were able to acquire him.

Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9).Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Despite this, Portland may elect to hold off on this deal as they may not want to move on from Avdija after his successful first season with the franchise, though they would likely be open to moving Williams III as he continues to be in trade rumors.

Either way, adding Barrett to their young core could be a solid move for the Trail Blazers to make as they try to end their playoff drought this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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