The Portland Trail Blazers just experienced one of the more confusing seasons in recent memory.
The Allen Estate agreed to sell the team to its new majority owner, Tom Dundon, last offseason. The FBI arrested Chauncey Billups on the second day of the regular season. Tiago Splitter, whom the team had hired just months prior, was elevated to interim head coach, a title he held for the entire year. The team sale went final in March, and Dundon speedran a PR nightmare in April.
Every one of the Blazers’ guards, including Scoot Henderson, who tore his hamstring two weeks before the season started, missed significant time. The two-way 20-year-old Sidy Cissoko started 26 games. By multiple accounts, at various stops, they were among the five most injured teams.
But through the turmoil, a young, largely unproven squad turned into a weathered, seasoned core. Deni Avdija became an All-Star. Toumani Camara drew more offensive fouls than anyone in history. The team made the Play-In, won the Play-In, and stole a road playoff victory over the Western Conference champions.
Now Tiago Splitter is gone, off to the Chicago Bulls. Fans are still waiting for the team to name its next head coach. Reports have come out that Portland is interested in trading for both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown.
It might be a busy offseason for the Blazers in many regards, but as far as the NBA Draft goes, it will likely be quiet.
Blazers Draft Picks:
- None
Blazers Draft Needs:
Because of a trade made back in 2021, the Blazers had to send their 2026 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls. That means, without a second-rounder either, Portland has zero draft picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The team could use fresh young talent as much as the next. Trading into the draft isn’t out of the question; new ownership seems aggressive enough to make a big splash, by all accounts. The Yang Hansen selection from last season was proof that if this front office really likes a prospect, they will stick their neck out to get him.
The Blazers’ biggest need is three-point shooting. They were the third-worst three-point-shooting team last season, despite shooting the third most threes. Any player they trade into the draft to get should undoubtedly be able to light it up from distance.
Blazers Draft Targets:
Cameron Carr — G/F — Baylor
If there’s anyone the Blazers decide to pay a first-round price for in a trade to go and get, it has to be Carr.
The 6-foot-5 wing has range from distance, length to defend with, and the shooting splits to prove how good his jumper looks. He torched the NBA Draft Combine scrimmage, and he would be a perfect fit as a shoot-first wing on the Blazers.
The problem is that many teams could use a player like Carr, so Portland would have to give up a hefty package to get to a spot where they could take him.
Trevon Brazile — F — Arkansas
In all likelihood, if the Blazers are going to add a player from this draft class, it’s going to be via an undrafted signing, like they did with Caleb Love last year.
If no one takes Trevon Brazile in the 2026 NBA Draft, he would fit the mold of previous Cronin-era draft choices, which are size, athleticism and potential.
Brazile is a freak athlete with a nearly 7-foot-4 wingspan who can shoot a little bit from deep. He seems to lack a natural feel for the game and a championship-level motor, but it’s rare to be able to snag an undrafted player of his caliber of athleticism. He could be worth a flier for Portland.
Tyler Bilodeau — F — UCLA
The Blazers need shooting, and Tyler Bilodeau can really shoot the ball.
Bilodeau shot 43.8% from distance on 3.6 attempts per game during his two seasons at UCLA and was a 50/40/80 player overall. His lack of foot speed and athleticism will undoubtedly make defense a challenge for him, no matter where he goes, but anyone who can shoot the ball as well as Bilodeau deserves a chance in the NBA. If no one else takes him, look for Portland to sign him to a two-way contract.
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