Since trading away Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers have been on the hunt for their next superstar. So far, that player either hasn’t been found or hasn’t emerged from their current roster.
With the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, many expected Portland to select a potential future star. Instead, they dealt the pick to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Blazers had selected Cedric Coward, but per ESPN’s Shams Charania, he’s being sent to Memphis as part of the trade — the second consecutive first-round pick to be moved.
In return, Portland received the 16th pick in the draft and a future first-rounder in 2028.
Portland likely didn’t see their ideal target still on the board and opted to trade down, adding valuable draft capital in the process. For a team already stacked with young talent, it’s a smart move.
By picking up a 2028 first-rounder from Memphis, the Blazers now have the chance to land a top-tier player in a few years—especially if the Grizzlies eventually break things up around Ja Morant. That future pick could turn into a lottery selection.
General manager Joe Cronin is walking a fine line: trying to build a competitive team for next season while preserving flexibility to chase future stars. It’s a difficult balance, but this trade helps both short- and long-term goals.
Swapping one pick for three is a solid return, especially if Portland wasn’t sold on anyone left at No. 11. In that case, moving back was a no-brainer.
With the team now focused on developing Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, the Blazers are clearly leaning into a young core with high upside.
They’ll need to compete at a high level to stay afloat in a loaded Western Conference, and the 16th pick could help boost both their playoff hopes and their long-term trajectory.
Cronin, who signed an extension earlier this year, now has a real opportunity to shape the future of the franchise with purpose.
SOURCE: SI.COM
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