The Portland Trail Blazers are fully immersed in a rebuild following the trade of franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard. While they are committed to developing their young core, there’s still more work to be done if the team hopes to build an NBA title contender for the future.
As part of this effort, the Blazers are expected to move veteran players to acquire more assets. However, questions remain about the team’s youth, particularly its frontcourt.
Currently, Portland has an abundance of guards, including Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and rookie Scoot Henderson. This creates a clear need to focus on bolstering their wing and forward depth. With that in mind, here are three potential targets the Trail Blazers could pursue to strengthen their roster.
One obvious option for the Trail Blazers is to bring Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura to Portland. The Lakers have expressed interest in Jerami Grant, and Hachimura has frequently been mentioned as part of a potential trade package. At 26 years old, Hachimura still has untapped potential and could be a key piece for Portland’s future.
Hachimura had the best season of his career last year, playing a crucial role in the Lakers’ playoff push. After moving into the starting lineup, he averaged over 15 points per game on an impressive 57% shooting from the field and 43% from three-point range. His ability to create mid-range shots adds versatility to his game, something the Blazers could look to further develop.
Given his age and upside, Hachimura could be a valuable long-term asset for Portland as they continue to rebuild. The Trail Blazers should keep an eye on any opportunities to bring the Japanese forward into their fold.
Another player the Blazers should consider is Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs. Last season, Johnson saw a reduction in minutes and touches following the arrival of Harrison Barnes. With that trend expected to continue, Portland could make a move for the 24-year-old forward, whose skill set aligns perfectly with the Blazers’ needs.
Johnson is already a proven double-digit scorer, having averaged over 15 points per game last season on 45% shooting from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Although those numbers were down from the previous season, he remains a solid defender and shooter who can play both forward positions. With a more prominent role in Portland, Johnson has the potential to elevate his game further.
Even if Johnson doesn’t evolve into a superstar, he projects as a high-level role player who could provide the Trail Blazers with the wing depth they desperately need.
A more improbable, yet intriguing option for Portland is Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. While a trade involving Jerami Grant and the Warriors would have to materialize for this to happen, Kuminga is an exciting young talent who could thrive in Portland’s rebuilding system.
At just 21 years old, Kuminga is already showing significant potential. During the 2023-24 season, he became a key contributor for the Warriors, improving his game on both ends of the floor. He averaged nearly 20 points per game on over 50% shooting, excelling as a cutter and in transition.
Kuminga’s defense is already excellent, and while his shooting remains a work in progress, the incremental improvements he’s shown offer hope.
Adding Kuminga to the Trail Blazers would give them a versatile, athletic forward who could develop into a star. While a trade for Kuminga may be unlikely, it would be a major boost for Portland’s young roster.
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