Blazers Trade Rumors: 26YO Former 1st Pick Could Be on the Move Again After Failing to Impress Portland, Pelicans Frontrunners

As we are deep into the offseason, the trade winds swoosh, along with some stalemates and desired rumors. For now, the hot topic is Deandre Ayton, who was the No.1 pick for the Phoenix Suns in 2018. It’s turned out to be a disaster for the Suns since they could have picked Luka Doncic. But the fate was decided. Ahead of the past season, they traded Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers in a 3-way deal. However, Rip City seems to be dissatisfied with the Center since they are looking to trade the veteran, again! The Blazers trade rumors have emerged after the franchise acquired ex-UConn player Donovan Clingan from the 2024 NBA Draft.

So, it seems that the rumors were not completely wrong, “At some point, the Blazers and Ayton are expected to part ways, sources said, yet the former first overall pick doesn’t command a market at this time,” as per Brett Siegel. Teams are not that interested in the Portland player due to many factors. The first one is the inconsistency that he carries, considering that he is a hefty player on the books, too. He played 55 games for Portland last year, averaging just 16.7 points, his lowest in three seasons.

However, his strength on the rim is plausible. He averaged 11.1 rebounds last season. That’s the reason it is believed that Ayton is an elite player but might not perform on big occasions. As per the Blazers’ trade rumors, the teams that could be expected in the Center are the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and LA Lakers.

That being said, the perfect option for the Pelicans after the buzzing Lauri Markkanen is Deandre Ayton. Who knows, the 26-year-old might unleash his potential and skill, putting them together, and giving hope to the Pels of becoming a contender next season in the West.

How would Deandre Ayton’s move work out for the Trail Blazers: Potential Targets

The primary purpose for the Blazers is not to win the title but to steadily work on their rebuilding efforts for now. They have their Center spot stacked with players like Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams, and Donovan Clingan. So what if Portland achieves it all in a single big trade, including three teams? SI recently proposed a 3-team trade between Portland, Atlanta, and New Orleans. The Hawks would get Robert Williams and Brandon Ingram. And the Pelicans will get a hot and cold Deandre Ayton, though suited to their needs.

Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, the main beneficiaries of this deal, will get security for their future as they’ll get De’Andre Hunter, Clint Capela, Garrison Mathews, a 2029 top-eight protected 1st round pick, and 2026 1st round swap rights with the Bucks [via Pelicans]. The biggest stars of the proposed trade for the Blazers are the draft picks emboldening their rebuilding aspirations.

In addition to that, Hunter can protect the rim and perimeter added with Capela and Clingan’s introduction eventually. It will give the Trail Blazers a big push into their future ambitions. However, the combinations and the steps they will then further take to integrate the younger players are still unknown.

Currently, Portland’s trade rumors are swooping around like a fazing wind. However, there hasn’t been any substantial change or move. The Blazers, though, need a shake-up, as their last 50+ win season was in 2018-19.

Keep yourself posted with the NBA trade updates only on EssentiallySports.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.