The Portland Trail Blazers finally landed their missing star thanks to Deni Avdija's breakout season. Now that Avdija has emerged as their clear-cut best player and foundational piece going forward, the next step in Portland's rebuild is to find complementary pieces.
Ideally, they'd land another star who pairs well with Avdija's unique skillset. He's quietly becoming more of a jumbo guard as Portland has utilized him more in that point-forward role as the primary offensive initiator, particularly as of late with Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson sidelined. Avdija is capable of playing off-ball due to his drastically improved three-point shot that has contributed to his star ascension, but both he and the Blazers' offense are at their best with the ball in his hands. With that being the case, Portland must find a rare star who can contribute without requiring the ball.
Finding that is easier said than done. One potential option lies in Utah's Lauri Markkanen, who is having a career year, averaging 27.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 47/36/91 shooting splits. However, latest reports suggest that the Jazz are more likely to build around Markkanen rather than shop the Finnish forward by the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
If Markkanen is indeed off the table, another option the Blazers should strongly consider pursuing is New Orleans wing Trey Murphy III.
Trey Murphy III checks every box as Deni Avdija's co-star
NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported on The Stein Line (subscription required) that rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are entirely off limits as the "don't-even-ask players" on the Pelicans' up-and-coming roster. That means there's a chance of Portland landing Murphy or Herb Jones.
The latter is not even trade-eligible as of Jan. 14, but it's the former that should be the Blazers' primary focus as the perfect fit alongside Avdija.
Murphy is one of the least-discussed stars in the league and somehow continues to fly under the radar despite averaging 21.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 49/36/91 shooting splits this season. At 25, he's just one year older than Avdija. That would be a perfect fit for Portland's rebuilding timeline and roster identity with his length and two-way impact. As a career 38.1% three point shooter, Murphy is the top floor spacing option that the Blazers need to go after this trade season.
But even if he's available, Murphy won't come cheap. Stein adds that the Pelicans maintain a high asking price for both Jones and Murphy to "discourage inquiries."
Still, it's encouraging that New Orleans is at least open to entertaining offers for their star wing. The Blazers paid a steep price to acquire Avdija from the Washington Wizards because they felt he was a perfect fit for their rebuild. They could do the same with Murphy to give Avdija his co-star.