Blazers Front Office Rises in CBS Power Poll

GM Joe Cronin's big moves paying off, but concerns remain over veteran contracts.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Portland Trail Blazers' front office, led by general manager Joe Cronin, has risen four spots to 19th in the latest CBS Sports biannual NBA front office rankings. Cronin's bold moves, including the Deni Avdija trade and the Damian Lillard deal, have been praised, but concerns remain over the large contracts owed to veteran players like Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant, which could impact the team's ability to re-sign Avdija.

Why it matters

The Blazers' front office ranking reflects the team's overall direction and the perception of their decision-making. While Cronin's big swings have paid off so far, the long-term financial commitments to veteran players could limit the team's flexibility to build around their young core, including Avdija, who is expected to command a significant contract extension.

The details

According to the CBS Sports analysis, Cronin's key moves, such as the Deni Avdija trade and the Damian Lillard deal, have been "enormous victories" for the Blazers. Avdija has emerged as an All-Star on a team-friendly contract, while the Lillard trade has netted the team valuable draft picks. However, the large salaries owed to Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Jerami Grant in 2028 could complicate the team's efforts to re-sign Avdija and build around their young talent.

  • The Blazers' front office rankings were released in February 2026.
  • The previous rankings were published in July 2025.

The players

Joe Cronin

The general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, who has overseen the team's recent roster moves and front office strategy.

Deni Avdija

A young All-Star player acquired by the Blazers in a trade, who is expected to command a significant contract extension in the coming years.

Damian Lillard

The veteran Blazers star who was traded away, netting the team valuable draft picks in return.

Jrue Holiday

A veteran player acquired by the Blazers, whose large contract and age are a concern for the team's long-term financial flexibility.

Jerami Grant

A veteran player on a large contract with the Blazers, who is also a concern for the team's long-term financial planning.

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What they’re saying

“Several of Joe Cronin's biggest moves are all looking great right now. The Deni Avdija trade? An enormous victory. He's an All-Star on one of the best contracts in the NBA. The Damian Lillard trade? Superb, in hindsight. Those Milwaukee picks are some of the best owed draft picks in basketball.”

— Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Analyst (CBS Sports)

“I remain somewhat concerned about the $88 million or so owed to Holiday, Lillard and Jerami Grant in 2028, especially now that Avdija has broken out. Portland will probably want to keep cap space open for the summer of 2027 in order to renegotiate and extend his contract before he becomes a free agent, and that's going to mean avoiding further expenditures if they can't move off of some of that money owed to older players.”

— Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Analyst (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Blazers will need to carefully manage their salary cap situation in the coming years, particularly with Avdija's impending contract extension, in order to continue building a contending roster around their young star.

The takeaway

While the Blazers' front office has made savvy moves to acquire young talent like Avdija, the team's long-term financial commitments to veteran players could complicate their ability to re-sign Avdija and further improve the roster. Careful cap management will be crucial for the Blazers to capitalize on their current momentum and rise in the league's power rankings.