Portland Trail Blazers Weigh Trades to Transform Into Title Contenders
Following a stellar start to the NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers are exploring potential trades ahead of the February deadline, with Scoot Henderson and superstar Anthony Davis at the center of the rumors.
The strong start to the season by the Portland Trail Blazers has raised expectations, prompting discussions in the United States about the next steps to transform the team into a legitimate championship contender. Deni Avdija and his teammates have surprised many with their impressive performances, raising the question of whether General Manager Joe Cronin should capitalize on this momentum and execute a significant trade before the February deadline.
Writing for Rip City Project, Reese Kunz published two articles exploring this exact dilemma. In the first piece, he proposed four potential trades centered around Scoot Henderson, while the second called for Portland to renew its interest in Washington Wizards superstar Anthony Davis.
"Henderson is starting to look like the odd man out in Portland, one of the few weak spots in what has otherwise been a brilliant start to the year for the Blazers," Kunz wrote. "He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season after Portland failed to reach an agreement with him on a rookie contract extension—a decision that looks even better following his difficult start."
Kunz suggested that Cronin might accelerate the complex decision awaiting him next summer by exploring trade options for the guard, who was selected third overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. Four trade targets emerged as potential solutions to bolster the roster.
Potential Trade Targets
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Rui Hachimura: The Los Angeles Clippers forward could arrive in exchange for Henderson straight up. "Hachimura would provide Portland with shooting and wing depth, two things it could still use despite its great start," Kunz explained, though noting the Clippers cannot trade him before December 15.
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Trey Murphy III: The price tag here is significantly higher. Kunz proposed sending Henderson, Yang Hansen, and two first-round picks to New Orleans for the 26-year-old forward. "Portland needs to add more star power to contend at the top, but doesn't want to ruin its momentum. Murphy fits the bill perfectly as one of the most seamless plug-and-play players in the league."
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Dillon Brooks: Portland would send Henderson and a 2027 first-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Canadian forward, adding defensive aggressiveness and edge. "The Blazers could add much-needed physicality to their wing positions by acquiring the villain Dillon Brooks. He is precisely the type of defensive stopper they might need in the playoffs."
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Naz Reid: The fourth option involves landing the big man from Charlotte in exchange for Henderson, Vit Krejčí, and a 2028 first-round pick. "Few big men in the league possess Reid's range and versatility. He would give Chauncey Billups far more options in the frontcourt rotation."
Renewing Interest in Anthony Davis
However, the biggest name raised by Rip City Project is Anthony Davis. The Washington superstar, who is averaging 25.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1.3 steals this season, has previously been linked to Portland. Now, with Washington struggling to win games, Kunz argues that the Blazers should reignite their pursuit.
"Portland's hot start gives them another reason to be buyers ahead of the February trade deadline. Davis suddenly makes more sense than ever as a target to re-examine, as Washington continues to lose despite his impressive individual numbers."
The primary hurdle remains Davis's massive salary, as he earns $58.5 million this season with a $62.8 million player option for next year. To complete a deal, Portland would likely need to part with major contracts, with Kunz pointing to Ja Morant, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe as potential salary-matching pieces.
