US media: If the Trail Blazers tank, Yang Hansheng will be the biggest beneficiary; trading two players could open opportunities for him

On December 28th Beijing time, the US media outlet Sports Illustrated wrote about the Trail Blazers and Chinese player Yang Hansheng. The report states—

The future of the Trail Blazers remains uncertain, and everything depends on whether the team can prove its true strength this season. Will the Blazers continue to hold a playoff spot, or will they reveal their weaknesses in the coming weeks, showing they are still far from championship caliber?

The answer to this question will directly affect rookie Yang Hansheng’s playing time. Although he performed well in the 106-110 loss to the Magic, scoring 4 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists, blocking 1 shot, and making 1 steal in under 8 minutes, as long as the team aims for the playoffs, his minutes will remain limited.

However, if the team decides to give up competing, the situation will be completely different.

Currently, the Trail Blazers hold the last spot in the NBA play-in tournament, and the team's future is full of uncertainty. Wing players Avdija and Sharpe are in peak form, each averaging over 21 points per game; Jerami Grant and Klingen take on the roles of the third scoring option and rim protector/rebounder, respectively.

This team could either maintain its current competitiveness or quickly fall apart. Trail Blazers GM Cronin holds a powerful trade card that might open doors for Yang Hansheng.

According to ClutchPoints reporter Siegel, the Milwaukee Bucks are preparing a trade, planning to send out an overpaid contract in exchange for Grant and Lowry from the Trail Blazers.

Siegel wrote in the report: “Sources say the Bucks and Trail Blazers have built a strong working relationship from the Lillard trade, and the Bucks hope to acquire Grant and Lowry through this deal. These two players will become key midseason additions, boosting Milwaukee’s offense and defense.”

“With Portis, Kuzma, and another small contract, the Bucks have enough salary cap space to complete this trade and bring in these two veteran Trail Blazers.”

Nevertheless, current trade rumors around the Trail Blazers focus on reducing frontcourt depth rather than strengthening it. Players like Duup-Reese might get more playing time, but if the Blazers choose to tank, Yang Hansheng will undoubtedly be the biggest direct beneficiary.

At that point, Yang Hansheng would shift from an occasional bench player to a regular member of the team’s rotation. However, unless the Trail Blazers start experiencing more losses, all this remains hypothetical.