New Blazers Rumors on DeMar DeRozan, Potential Jrue Holiday Buyout After Ja Morant Trade

One prominent NBA insider pushed back on two recent rumors surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Stein Line's Marc Stein reported Monday the Blazers are "not currently pursuing free agent swingman DeMar DeRozan." Stein also said Portland has no plans to buy out veteran guard Jrue Holiday.

Deni Avdija was an All-Star last year, while Toumani Camara has become a fixture in the frontcourt. The Blazers may have designs on deploying Shaedon Sharpe more at the 3 as well given how many point guards they have to accommodate.

DeRozan would certainly add depth, and he continues to be a consistent scorer. He averaged 18.4 points on 49.7 percent shooting in 2025-26.

Given how many contenders are reportedly chasing the six-time All-Star, though, he may have some options more attractive than Portland.

Holiday, meanwhile, is part of a backcourt that got more crowded with the addition of Ja Morant.

Fitting Morant, Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Damian Lillard into the rotation in a way that keeps all four happy could be tricky.

Holiday also makes $34.8 million for the upcoming season and has a $37.2 million player option for 2027-28. That's a lot to pay a potential reserve.

A buyout would theoretically suit both parties. Portland lessens its salary cap burden, while Holiday eventually lands with a team that's closer to a championship.

The Blazers may instead see a role for the 36-year-old when Lillard is coming off a torn Achilles. General manager Joe Cronin may instead be holding out for a trade that allows the team to flip Holiday for a return, no matter how minimal.

Either way, it looks as though Portland's roster will remain the same for the time being.