Who are the Blazers' untouchable players? Portland media lists several names including Yang Hanshen and Avdija.

On January 11th Beijing time, Portland media outlet blazersedge published an article discussing the upcoming trade deadline and analyzing who the Blazers consider untouchable. They provided a list of several players, with Yang Hanshen included. The details are as follows—

The Blazers are moving toward the 2026 NBA trade deadline and may serve as buyers or sellers. Although the team might also choose to stand pat, February 6th represents their last chance to strengthen the roster before the playoff push. They might use this opportunity to trade Robert Williams and Seabold, whose contracts are about to expire.

Currently, the Blazers remain quite a distance from championship contention, so they should maintain flexibility in acquisitions and clarify their core lineup for the future. However, the team has moved past a full rebuild phase and now has several young players whose value to the Blazers far exceeds what they might bring if traded elsewhere.

If the Blazers enter trade talks over the next four weeks, which players would GM Cronin designate as untouchable?

Deni Avdija

Age: 25 years old

Contract status: 3 years remaining, $39.4 million total (including this season)

2025-26 season stats: Played 39 games, averaging 35.3 minutes, 26.1 points per game, 35.9% three-point shooting, 7.1 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game.

There is no need for much elaboration—Avdija is undoubtedly the most vital player on the Blazers. His performance is truly at an All-Star level, with significant room for growth. During times when many core players are sidelined, it is Avdija’s efforts that have kept the Blazers steadily moving forward.

Avdija’s contract is also among the most team-friendly deals in the league. Although recent analyses have discussed potential challenges in re-signing him in 2028, Cronin will never include Avdija in any trade discussions while building a stronger roster around him.

Donovan Clingan

Age: 21 years old

Contract status: 3 years, $24.2 million total (including this season)

2025-26 season stats: Played 35 games, averaging 27.1 minutes, 11.5 points per game, 33.0% three-point shooting, 10.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.

Clingan leads the league with an average of 3.6 contested offensive rebounds per game, which has helped him establish a foothold on offense. His playing style has evolved beyond just putbacks and cuts to the basket: his three-point shooting opens new scoring avenues and spacing for the Blazers, while this former UConn star is refining his post-up game to make his finishes more impactful.

Clingan’s defensive abilities remain as solid as last season, and by season’s end, he will be a strong candidate for best defensive team discussions. His size, physique, and competitive drive give the Blazers true dominance on both ends of the paint. Even with the recent selection of Yang Hanshen, Clingan has firmly secured the Blazers’ future starting interior spot.

Yang Hanshen

Age: 20 years old

Contract status: 4 years, $21.4 million total (including this season)

2025-26 season stats: Played 22 games, averaging 8.4 minutes, 2.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.4 blocks per game.

There was indeed considerable hesitation about listing him as untouchable. Although Yang Hanshen’s NBA start has not been smooth, the Blazers would never trade this first-round pick within a single trade window—especially given the genuine potential this Chinese big man brings to the NBA.

As the 16th pick, Yang deserves ample time to develop his unique combination of size, physique, and skills. The team currently has no urgency to trade him unless another team offers a seriously compelling package. Even if offers come, his $4.4 million annual salary makes it unlikely the Blazers could get much valuable return.

Damian Lillard

Age: 35 years old

Contract status: 3 years remaining, $41.6 million total (including this season), with a player option in the final year and a no-trade clause included.

2025-26 season stats: Has not played yet.

Although this veteran point guard will not play for the Blazers this season, he will absolutely not be traded. The 35-year-old Lillard’s contract includes a no-trade clause, and he will never waive this right for any trade. The Blazers’ management likely lacks the courage to attempt trading this franchise legend a second time.

Contract restrictions

Due to terms in the extension signed in October, Toumani Camara cannot be traded this season. Shelden Sharp’s contract contains a “poison pill” clause, making it difficult for the team to find suitable trade salary matches for him.

However, both players are important parts of the Blazers’ core lineup: Camara is a wing with three-point shooting and defensive skills, expected to make the best defensive team for a second consecutive year; as noted in last week’s article, Sharp continues to improve on both ends and could become an All-Star in the future.

Players not mentioned

Besides the players above, there are nine others on the roster who could be included in trade talks. Henderson might be the most controversial among them, but as previously mentioned, now might be the best time to trade this young point guard, allowing the Blazers to recoup some valuable assets.

Jerami Grant, Ju Holiday, Robert Williams, and Mattis Seabold could be traded for players with comparable salaries. Meanwhile, lower-salary players like Chris Murray, Blake Wesley, Duop Reath, and Luypel might also be used as trade chips if needed.

The Blazers also need to consider how to handle the 50-game appearance limit faced by two-way contract players Sisoko and Caleb Love. The key to resolving this will be creating regular roster spots for them.

Over the next 26 days, the Blazers’ moves will attract close attention, especially how they manage the expiring contracts of Williams and Seabold, which alone will be a major focus.