Two months into their 2025-26 campaign, the Portland Trail Blazers have already had a roller coaster ride to remember. The darkest cloud hanging over the organization is no longer its fall from being among playoff contenders, but Chauncey Billups’s potential fall from grace.
Even so, after a hot 4-2 start that spurred confidence in the club, the Blazers have been smoldering. Now 8-10, some believe Portland could take yet another big swing on the trade market.
Trail Blazers Predicted To Cut Ties With Scoot Henderson To Pull Off Blockbuster Trade for LaMelo Ball
If the Blazers were to be major players on the trade market, they may not feel comfortable making anyone on their roster completely untouchable. At this juncture, Deni Avdija is their only player performing at an All-Star level. Even so, Portland has placed a lot of value on fourth-year pro Shaedon Sharpe, as well as veterans Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday.
Bearing that in mind, Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey believes the Blazers could trade two key players to acquire a franchise point guard: Jerami Grant and 2023 No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson.
Utilizing Grant, Henderson, and a 2028 first-round pick (via the Orlando Magic), Portland would make a move for Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball.
In such a scenario, Ball would likely start alongside Sharpe and Avdija on the perimeter, with Lillard and Holiday becoming seasoned second-unit pieces. However, Holiday’s defensive efficacy could make him a more effective complement to Ball in the backcourt. Either way, the move could bolster the Trail Blazers’ chances of making the playoffs.
Statistically, it’s possible that they’d be giving up more firepower than they’re bringing on. Furthermore, Ball’s injury history is a sight for sore eyes.
Still, in a league where lanky guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) are leading the top teams in their respective conferences, Ball could be their missing ingredient.
Is It a Lucky Trade?
The Hornets haven’t had many players of Ball’s caliber, and perhaps that has a lot to do with their enduring mediocrity. Whatever the reason, their status as a bottom-dweller has breathed life into rumors of his frustration with the organization.
Of course, the $203,852,600 star has publicly denied a desire to be traded by Charlotte. Even so, the two sides are still widely expected to part ways.
With that being said, the Hornets are going to want more than nickels on the dime if they trade Ball.
No matter how much untapped potential Henderson may possess or how successful Grant has been, neither looks like a true long-term franchise cornerstone right now. A future first-round pick does sweeten the deal, but it’s still not the strongest offer.