Portland Timbers acquire Cole Bassett from Colorado Rapids in $2.65M deal

The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids in a deal worth $2.65 million, the club announced.

The agreement includes up to an additional $950,000 in performance-based incentives and allows Colorado to retain a percentage of a future trade or transfer if Bassett is sold at or above a certain valuation. Bassett will occupy a U22 Initiative slot in 2026 and is under contract with Portland through the 2027 season.

Bassett, 24, arrives after seven seasons with the Rapids, where he developed into one of the club’s most consistent midfield contributors. A Colorado native and Homegrown signing, he made 157 MLS appearances for the Rapids, recording 31 goals and 23 assists. He earned three consecutive MLS 22 Under 22 selections from 2019 to 2021, peaking at No. 10 in 2021.

In the 2024 season, Bassett posted career highs with nine goals and seven assists as Colorado finished seventh in the Western Conference. He followed that with three goals and four assists in 28 appearances during the 2025 campaign.

Portland sees Bassett as an immediate fit in midfield, valued for his energy, late runs into the box, and ability to contribute at both ends of the field. The move also adds domestic depth and flexibility to the Timbers’ roster ahead of the upcoming season.

At the international level, Bassett has represented the United States across youth ranks and earned his senior national team debut in December 2021, scoring a late game-winning goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.