December 15 unofficially marks the beginning of trade season in the NBA. Most players who signed contracts over the offseason are going to become eligible to be traded in less than a week.
The Portland Trail Blazers were quiet in last season's chaotic trade market as one of the only teams to stand pat at the deadline. With glaring roster holes due to untimely injuries and overall weaknesses, they can't afford to repeat history this time around.
There are several stars already being discussed as potential trade candidates, headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. But the Blazers, despite their win-now trade for 35-year-old Jrue Holiday, are taking a patient and long-term approach to their rebuild.