Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman of Sports Illustrated recently proposed a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Portland Trail Blazers, headlined by star guard LaMelo Ball heading to Rip City. Here are the details of that mock proposal:
*The draft capital Charlotte receives includes an unprotected 2028 first-round pick (from POR, via ORL), an unprotected 2029 first-round pick (via POR), a top-five protected 2031 first-round pick (via POR), and a 2031 second-round pick (via ATL)
LaMelo Ball should be on the Trail Blazers' radar
Earlier this summer, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes named one ambitious trade target for every NBA team. For the Blazers, it was Ball. "Wouldn't it be exciting to see Ball leading a dynamic transition attack alongside Shaedon Sharpe while getting tons of defensive support from Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and backline stalwart Donovan Clingan?"
Hughes did mention that Ball heading to Portland was "seemingly unlikely." However, ESPN's Tim MacMahon recently hinted that Ball could be a trade candidate at the February 2026 deadline.
Multiple analysts have now suggested Portland as a logical landing spot for Ball. And despite the Blazers' newfound backcourt logjam with Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, the fit makes sense.
Last season in Charlotte, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds on 41/34/84 shooting splits. With that high-level production at 23 years old, he could be a good solution for Portland's current timeline dilemma as a young team that wants to win now.
That said, Ball doesn't come without his flaws. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley recently called him the most overrated player in the NBA. "While he can (and often does) overstuff a stat sheet, though, it all looks like there's way more sizzle than actual substance."
The flashy plays and inefficiency are concerns, but the star power is undeniable. Plus, Ball still has plenty of time to mature, and a better situation on a competitive Portland roster with multiple veterans could help speed up that learning process. The Blazers also wouldn't have to rely on Ball as heavily as essentially the only option like he is in Charlotte, which could also increase his efficiency. And the criticism about his lack of impact on winning isn't fair -- at least to the extent it goes -- as just about any guard would struggle to win with the Hornets' roster.
Most importantly, Portland's elite defense could help cover for Ball's limitations on that end of the court, with his offensive firepower better balancing their overall roster.
It all comes down to Year 3 Scoot Henderson
The draft capital looks reasonable for the Blazers to surrender for a rising star, especially if you factor in that one of those picks is going towards getting off Jerami Grant's head-scratching contract.
Orlando's pick in 2028 should be near the end of the first round with a talented young core. One thing that would need to be sorted out in this deal is that the Blazers sent their second-most favorable 2029 first-round pick (between Portland, Milwaukee, and Boston) to the Wizards in the Deni Avdija deal. If this is the least favorable, it could be a steal for the Blazers. But if it's the most favorable, it would give them much to consider with the Bucks' seemingly inevitable collapse.
Ultimately, whether this mock proposal turns out to be a win for the Blazers depends on the play and development of Scoot Henderson. This trade isn't even necessary if he takes a Year 3 leap in his increased role following Portland's offseason moves. Let's hope that's the case, as the Blazers and Henderson have a lot riding on this pivotal season.
Like Charlotte with Ball, Portland could give Henderson until February and reevaluate their backcourt situation.