Now that the Portland Trail Blazers are competitive again, there's an increasing possibility they decide to trade draft capital to acquire more talent to add to their young core. They don't need to force a deal to accelerate their timeline, especially since their foundational pieces are still years away from reaching their prime. But GM Joe Cronin has proven he's open to trading picks if the right piece comes around, as was the case with the Deni Avdija deal.
There are a few big names the Blazers should consider acquiring in exchange for valuable draft capital if they become available this summer.
1. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
It doesn't get more high-risk, high-reward than Zion Williamson, and the Blazers should be the team to take on that risk. He's back to playing like an All-Star level player, but the question always revolved around his injury risk rather than his talent. Williamson's durability could be a blessing in disguise, as otherwise, there's no way Portland would be able to acquire a player of Zion's talent.
This is the type of move that could backfire and set back the Blazers' promising rebuild. But at the same time, only one team wins the NBA Finals. You must take some risks to separate yourself from the pack, especially in a market like Portland, which will have a more difficult time landing superstar-level free agents. Now that landing a top pick is unlikely, their best bet could be via trade.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets may decide to get off LaMelo Ball's expensive contract to build around Brandon Miller and their 2025 draft prospect. If Ball is, in fact, available, the Blazers should pursue him despite Scoot Henderson's ascension.
Ball can be utilized as more of a 6-foot-7 combo guard, allowing him to play alongside either Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe. That would give them much more flexibility in the future in case only one of their guards reaches their star potential.
His positional size would add to their roster strength and team identity. But more importantly, Ball would help solve several of the Blazers' most significant weaknesses with his playmaking, shooting, and All-Star upside.
3. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors
Now that Brandon Ingram is north of the border and already extended, the Raptors could be more inclined to move RJ Barrett to get off his $83 million salary over the next three seasons. At 24, Barrett would fit in nicely with Portland's timeline.
His versatility is underappreciated as someone who can play multiple positions and contribute both on and off the ball with his improved shooting. That should intrigue Portland because they can opt for lineups with Sharpe at the two and Barrett at the three or Barrett at the two with Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara as the forwards.
4. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. quietly continues to improve and is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 18.3 points on 40 percent shooting. We didn't mention his other stats because, well, he's primarily just a bucket-getter, with the one knock on his offensive game being his lack of playmaking.
But Henderson and Avdija have shown tremendous strides this season as Portland's two future playmakers. What the Blazers need the most is shooting to help complement their playmaking.
It remains to be seen if MPJ will be made available, and it likely depends on how Denver's playoffs go. However, their roster lacks flexibility, and they could be intrigued by a package consisting of Portland's veterans and draft capital to give their lineup a fresh look around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
5. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
The Rockets are a team to watch closely this offseason. Despite their promising young core, Houston still seems a piece or two away from being genuine title contenders. They will also be forced to make difficult decisions surrounding their young talent as it will be challenging to pay them all.
Jabari Smith Jr. is close to a new extension and could be the odd man out in any potential trade they make this summer. If that is the case, the Blazers need to swoop in.
He's just 21 years old and a few years removed from being the No. 3 overall pick. It will be difficult for Portland to find a player that fits both criteria and is available for trade -- especially one who would fit their roster incredibly well, providing another lengthy forward who can defend and space the floor with more room to grow offensively.