Portland Trail Blazers trade rumors: Does Noah Vonleh have a long-term spot with the Blazers?

With the new NBA season underway, the Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to continue their upward rise in the Western Conference.

Led by Damian Lillard, the Blazers took the league by storm when they made the play-offs.

This time, much more is expected from them, particularly Noah Vonleh. Vonleh is playing his second year with the Blazers and many are hoping that he makes a mark.

In his first few years, Vonleh averaged 3.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.

Much more was expected from him and now he is being given the chance before he is potentially shopped to other teams looking for a power forward.

As reported by The Verge sports editor Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers put their faith on Vonleh, picking up his team option to start the season.

He has certainly responded well during their first game in the 2016-17 campaign as he scored 11 points in the 113-104 win over the Utah Jazz. More impressive is that Vonleh made all five of his shots from the field and even drained a three-pointer in 16 minutes on the floor at the night.

He should certainly make more of these to help the Blazers or risk being shopped to other teams.

Vonleh is currently on the last two years of his contract, with the team given the power to take control of Vonleh's future. If he does well this year, then his contract is likely going to be extended.

If not, this may be the final year that Vonleh will be with the Blazers as they try to trade him for someone who has a more established game and higher upside.

It should be interesting to see what he does this year. With the faith that the Blazers have in him, it should be a chance he does not waste.