The Portland Trail Blazers just watched one of their top trade targets slip through their fingers. Jaren Jackson Jr. is headed to the Utah Jazz in a seven-player blockbuster, and with that, Portland’s dream of landing a defensive anchor with All-Star upside is off the table.
But not all is lost. There's still a name out there who fits the Blazers’ rebuild timeline and team identity like a glove: Trey Murphy III.
Let’s be clear - Jackson and Murphy were always the two most logical targets for Portland this trade season. Young, two-way wings who can grow with the core while helping elevate the team's floor in the short term. Now that Jackson’s gone, the focus should shift entirely to Murphy, who could be the ideal co-star next to Deni Avdija as the Blazers continue shaping their next era.
Why Trey Murphy III Makes Sense for Portland
Murphy isn’t just a consolation prize - he’s a legitimate difference-maker. The 6-foot-8 wing has quietly developed into one of the most intriguing young two-way players in the league.
Just look at his most recent outing against Charlotte: 27 points, four assists, and efficient shooting across the board (10-of-20 from the field, 3-of-8 from deep, perfect at the line). That’s not just solid production - that’s the kind of performance that turns heads in front offices.
The Pelicans know what they’ve got, and they’re reportedly asking for a Desmond Bane-level return. That’s a hefty price tag.
But for Portland, it might be worth the cost. The Blazers have already shown they’re willing to be buyers at the deadline, sending future draft capital to Atlanta for Vít Krejčí.
That move wasn’t just about Krejčí - it was a signal. Portland’s front office is looking to accelerate the rebuild, and Murphy fits that mold perfectly.
A Realistic Star, Not a Pipe Dream
There’s been chatter about Giannis Antetokounmpo, and while it’s fun to dream, that’s all it is - a dream. Giannis has zero interest in Portland, even with his ties to Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard.
Murphy, on the other hand, is a realistic target. He’s not a fantasy.
He’s a 25-year-old wing with length, shooting, and defensive chops - and he’s available, at least in theory.
Murphy’s defensive versatility is exactly what Portland craves. He can guard multiple positions, slide into different lineups, and give head coach Tiago Splitter the flexibility to mix and match with guys like Camara and Avdija. That trio, with their size and switchability, could form the backbone of a defense that’s already starting to show signs of life.
Building the Right Way
Let’s not pretend that adding Murphy suddenly makes Portland a contender. The Western Conference is a gauntlet, and the Blazers are still several moves away from serious playoff noise.
But that’s not really the point. Murphy isn’t a win-now move - he’s a foundational piece.
He fits the timeline, he fits the culture, and he fits the system.
And here’s the kicker: Portland has the assets to make this happen and still have enough left over to keep building. This isn’t a one-and-done swing. It’s a strategic step forward - the kind of move that sets the table for bigger ones down the line.
Final Thoughts
Trey Murphy III might not be the 1A superstar Portland is still searching for, but he checks just about every other box. He’s young, he’s skilled, and he brings the kind of two-way impact that winning teams are built around.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. off the board, this is the move that makes the most sense for the Trail Blazers. Now it’s up to the front office to decide how badly they want him - and how far they’re willing to go to get him.