1) Brandon Ingram
Blazers would receive: Brandon Ingram
Opposing team would receive: Scoot Henderson, Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, 2028 first-round pick (Magic), 2029 first-round pick
Brandon Ingram offers a polished scoring wing who can create his own shot and help Portland generate offense in half-court sets. Ingram posted strong numbers in 2025-26, averaging around 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting roughly 47.7% from the floor and 38.2% from three. While he isn’t widely acclaimed for defense, he can serve as a high-end wing scorer who can operate between Morant and Avdija, helping the Blazers create mid-range and catch-and-shoot opportunities. The fit would give Portland a reliable scoring option next to the backcourt duo and give Morant more space to operate.
From the Clippers’ perspective, this would be a significant shift. Henderson would bring youth and guard depth, Williams provides rim protection if healthy, Thybulle adds defense, and the draft picks offer long-term upside. It’s a plausible scenario, though the deal is sizable and would hinge on the Clippers valuing Ingram as the cornerstone of their next phase.
2) Michael Porter Jr.
Blazers would receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Opposing team would receive: Scoot Henderson, Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, 2029 first-round pick
Michael Porter Jr. is a natural fit for Portland’s needs: size, shooting, and off-ball scoring ability. In 2025-26 with Brooklyn, Porter averaged about 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting around 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three on high usage. He excels as a catch-and-shoot threat and can thrive in a system that emphasizes pace and spacing. With Morant and Porter sharing the floor, Portland could generate a lot of open looks for Porter, Avdija, and Sharpe.
The Nets would consider this trade if they’re prioritizing youth, cap flexibility, and future assets. They reportedly have room to maneuver and multiple future picks, making a package built around Henderson, Williams, Thybulle, and a draft asset attractive to them. Porter’s injury history and an expiring contract are factors, but his floor-spacers and scoring talent could make this a worthwhile gamble for a team aiming to contend sooner rather than later.
3) Zion Williamson
Blazers would receive: Zion Williamson
Opposing team would receive: Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, 2028 Magic first-round pick
A Zion Williamson pursuit would be a bold, high-variance move. Williamson’s scoring efficiency has remained elite when healthy, averaging around 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, with an impressive field-goal percentage. The contract is substantial, and health has been a concern, but his elevated rim-pressure and playmaking would create a new dynamic with Morant and Sharpe. If the Blazers could assemble a package that the Pelicans find attractive, they would gain a dynamic trio in Morant, Williamson, and Avdija, with Sharpe and Williams providing complementary pieces.
This scenario would require the Pelicans to reset and accept a rebuild path. It’s a low-to-medium probability move due to both teams’ divergent timelines and the significant asset costs, but the theoretical upside—an explosive, unguardable trio with Morant—keeps it in play as a long-shot option.
4) Lauri Markkanen
Blazers would receive: Lauri Markkanen
Opposing team would receive: Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Robert Williams III, 2028 first-round pick (Magic), 2029 first-round pick
Lauri Markkanen stands out as perhaps the best fit stylistically for Portland among the four options. Markkanen’s shot-making and spacing ability make him an ideal partner for Morant and a non-ball-dominant hub for the offense. In 2025-26, Markkanen posted strong numbers, averaging about 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting near 48% from the field and 36% from three, with solid free-throw accuracy.
The challenge is the Jazz’s current direction. Utah has shown a commitment to competing and contending, making them less inclined to part with their star scorer unless the package is compelling. Still, Markkanen’s age, size, and shooting profile make him a prime target if Portland can assemble a package that meets Utah’s demand for significant future assets while staying within a reasonable price range.
Bottom line
– The Blazers are open to adding a high-impact forward to pair with Morant and Avdija, aiming to improve their half-court scoring and overall offensive versatility.
– Realistic paths center on high-level forward talent that brings scoring, shooting, and the ability to defend multiple positions.
– Each option carries its own set of risks and rewards, from health concerns and contract sizes to fit with the team’s long-term plans and the other assets involved in the deal.
As Portland pivots from previous market targets, the emphasis remains on finding a scoring forward who can relieve Morant of some responsibility, stretch the floor, and elevate the club’s playoff profile. The right move will depend on how aggressively the front office wants to push the timeline and how much they’re willing to part with in terms of future picks and young players.
