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BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the first quarter of the NBA Match between Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at Uber Arena on January 15, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers aimed to make the playoffs this season. They tried to make it last season, but came up just short of the play-in. Right now, they sit ninth in the Western Conference standings, even without their head coach.
Even with the distractions outside of the organization, the Blazers have done a good job of focusing on winning games. Still, they need some help if they are actually going to make the playoffs this year. They have the ninth-worst offense in the NBA.
An interesting trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Trail Blazers adding an All-Star player to help them in their playoff push.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. dribbles the ball. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
Trail Blazers Land All-Star Player in Crazy Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade idea:
Portland Trail Blazers Acquire: Jaren Jackson Jr., Scotty Pippen Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Acquire: Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, 2028 first-round swap (via MIL), 2029 first-round swap (via MIL), 2030 first-round swap (via MIL)
Trading away Henderson, who has yet to play this season, is an acknowledgement that they missed on that pick. He just hasn’t been healthy enough to really impact the team. He has not played in more than 66 games in a single season yet, and has already missed half of this year.
Bringing in Jackson Jr. would give them a center who can spread the floor and make 3s. He could also slide into the power forward spot next to Donovan Clingan and give them some excellent rim protection between both players. Jackson Jr. is a former Defensive Player of the Year.
Trading away the Bucks‘ three pick swaps is a tough pill to swallow, especially since the Bucks are looking to trade away Giannis Antetokounmpo. That would mean that Milwaukee is looking to rebuild, which makes those picks more valuable.
GettyPortland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant drives the ball. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Trail Blazers Need to Trade Jerami Grant
If there is any player that they need to part ways with at the deadline, it’s Grant. Grant has yet to play in more than 63 games since he signed with the Blazers. His stats are up this year, so he might actually have a trade market. Getting something in return for him is a must.
Grant doesn’t fit the timeline that the rest of the team is on. Portland needs more players that are younger and can grow around Deni Avdija and Clingan. It’s clear that Grant isn’t going to be durable enough to play with the rest of the young guys on the team.
With new ownership involved in Portland, it’s unclear what kind of mindset they will have with this roster. Will they be aggressive and try to add pieces at the deadline that will help them win? Or will they sell some pieces and try to land another lottery pick?
It’s much more likely that the Blazers try to pick up pieces to help them win now. They want to get their young guys playoff experience now, especially with Damian Lillard returning next season.