All articles tagged with #portland trail blazers
Denver hosts Portland on Friday in a back-to-back with the Nuggets coming off a 115-114 loss to the Clippers; they sit 35-21 (4th in the West) and are 20-10 on the road, but face a lengthy injury report including Jamal Murray (questionable) and several others out. Portland is dealing with Damian Lillard out, and other injuries, adding uncertainty to the matchup at 8:00 p.m. MT on Altitude.
Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen were standout figures for their teams on day one of the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star weekend in Inglewood. Clingan opened strong for Team Melo with nine points and a block, while Hansen racked up 10 points on efficient shooting for Team Austin. The event featured rookies and sophomores competing in a two-semi-final format, with Team Melo advancing to the final after a 40-34 win, and Hansen delivering a notable highlight. In the end, VJ Edgecombe’s late free throws sealed a dramatic finish, as Clingan’s Team Melo fell in the final. Portland fans will next watch Damian Lillard in the 3-point contest.
Portland lands Vit Krejci from Atlanta for Duop Reath and two second-round picks, a move aimed at adding shooting and wing depth as the Blazers try to improve their weak 3-point shooting. Krejci shoots about 42% from three this season and has a team-friendly, minimum-salary contract through 2027-28 with no guaranteed money beyond this year, making it a cost-efficient add while cap-space considerations linger for potential moves like extending Avdija. Analysts from ESPN, CBS, and The Athletic generally praised the deal as a smart move for Portland, though Hawks perspectives were mixed, and fan reactions ranged from enthusiastic to reserved about the trade’s impact.}
Deni Avdija was named a Western Conference All-Star reserve for his first NBA All-Star selection, a milestone for the Blazers as the franchise’s first All-Star since Damian Lillard. He didn’t play in Sunday’s 130-111 loss to Cleveland due to a lower-back issue, but praised his teammates and supporters, emphasized the team-first mindset, and said he expects it to sink in more as All-Star Weekend (Feb. 13–15) approaches.
Rumors swirl that Giannis Antetokounmpo could request a trade from Milwaukee with Portland viewed as a potential destination, but his camp has signaled no interest in an extension with the Blazers, limiting Portland’s ability to trade assets. Even with Jrue Holiday on Portland’s roster, the Blazers’ direct path to a Giannis deal looks unlikely, likely pushing any involvement to third-party facilitators. Antetokounmpo remains per-game strong (28 PPG, 10 RPG, 6 APG) as talks continue.
Trade chatter around Giannis Antetokounmpo is intensifying as multiple teams—Warriors, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, 76ers and Nets—are linked to the Bucks star ahead of the deadline. Golden State is said to have a pick-heavy bid but Giannis may be turned off by an older roster or the glare of teaming with Curry, while Minnesota is viewed as a compelling long-term fit with Anthony Edwards. Portland could serve as a third team to land assets, and Philadelphia is expected to inquire, though Nets interest remained uncertain.
Portland acquires Vit Krejci from Atlanta in exchange for Duop Reath and two future second-round picks; Krejci provides a versatile wing with shooting and playmaking, addressing Portland's need for creation while Reath is sidelined for the season due to a foot injury. Atlanta gains additional second-round assets and could waive Reath to open roster spots as they navigate the trade deadline.
Portland traded injured center Duop Reath to Atlanta for guard Vit Krejci, a low-cost, two-year addition that fits the Blazers' length-and-shooting mold. Krejci, 6'8 with a quick release, has shot around 42% from three this season and can play as a secondary passer and floor-spacer, though his defense is modest. The move gives Portland bench depth and future flexibility with an inexpensive contract, while Reath’s expiring deal would have limited value next season.
Portland acquires guard Vit Krejci from Atlanta in exchange for center Duop Reath and two future second-round picks (including Atlanta’s own 2027 pick back and a Knicks 2030 pick). Krejci, averaging 9.0 points and 2.2 three-pointers per game this season, gives Portland a welcomed 3-point threat as Reath heads to Atlanta after season-ending foot surgery; the deal also sparks questions about how Caleb Love and Sidy Cissoko’s two-way contracts will be handled.
Portland is reportedly exploring a multi-team route to land Giannis Antetokounmpo rather than a direct sign-and-trade, as Giannis is viewed as an extreme long shot to re-sign with the Blazers. The Stein Line notes Portland could act as a facilitator in a deal that might involve Jrue Holiday and target pieces like Mikal Bridges, using assets such as Milwaukee’s 2028–2030 first-round picks. A concrete move could come in the next five days or in the offseason, with Giannis and Dame having prior Bucks connections influencing discussions.
The New York Knicks extended their winning streak to five with a 127-97 rout of the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden, led by 26 points from Jalen Brunson and 24 from OG Anunoby, as the defense again held Portland under 100 for the fourth time in five games.
Speculation is heating up that Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded, with ESPN's Bobby Marks listing the Portland Trail Blazers among the teams with the assets to land him, including Milwaukee’s 2029 pick and multiple future first-round swaps. The Blazers’ potential package could involve young players and draft assets, targeting Bucks pieces like Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, or Shaedon Sharpe, though contract restrictions could complicate moves. The piece also notes a possible Damian Lillard–Antetokounmpo reunion and invites readers to weigh in on whether Portland should pursue such a move.
Portland used a 23-9 third-quarter run to turn a close game into a 127-110 win over Miami at the Moda Center, despite Deni Avdija leaving early with a back injury. Shaedon Sharpe scored 27 (24 after halftime), Caleb Love added 20, and Jrue Holiday 15 as the Blazers moved to 23-22. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 32, but Miami struggled from long range (9-for-45) and finished with 27 assists. Portland’s offense featured strong 3-point shooting (8 players connected from deep) on 50 attempts. Next up: Portland hosts the Toronto Raptors.
The New York Knicks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 123-114 on Jan. 11, 2026 at the Moda Center in Portland, improving to 25-14 on the season while Portland fell to 19-21.
The Blazers' recent loss to the Lakers highlights their youthful inconsistency, reliance on turnovers and shot volume, and struggles with three-point shooting, but it also underscores their potential to win through smart math and effort, emphasizing patience and learning in their season development.