December 15 marks the unofficial start of trade season in the NBA. Players who signed their offseason deals are now eligible to be traded, giving teams nearly a two-month window to reshape their rosters prior to the February 5 trade deadline.
The Portland Trail Blazers sat out last year's trade deadline but are viewed as buyers this year, looking to add a piece to improve on an underwhelming 10-16 start and end a four-year playoff drought. With general weaknesses such as shooting, defense, and star power, Portland could decide to take its roster in several different directions.
It's much easier to pinpoint who they should trade for than who they should trade away.