The Portland Trail Blazers are in the thick of a rebuild, and with Deni Avdija blossoming into an All-Star-caliber point forward, the next step is clear: find him a co-star who complements his game without disrupting the flow. But if you're thinking Ja Morant is the answer, think again.
Morant’s talent is undeniable. When he's on the floor, he's electric - one of the most dynamic guards in the league.
But for a young Blazers team trying to build something sustainable, the risk just outweighs the reward. Between off-court distractions, injury concerns, and a shaky perimeter shot that doesn’t exactly mesh with Portland’s spacing needs, Morant brings more questions than answers to a team still shaping its identity.
That said, Portland should be watching Morant’s situation closely - not because they want him, but because of what his potential departure from Memphis could mean. If the Grizzlies decide to move on from Morant before the February 5 trade deadline, it could signal the beginning of a full-scale reset in Memphis. And that’s where things get interesting for the Blazers.
According to recent league chatter, there’s growing belief among NBA executives that if Morant is moved, Jaren Jackson Jr. could be next. That shift would mark a clear pivot by Memphis toward a younger, developmental core - one that’s already showing promise thanks to the emergence of players like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer. Quietly, the Grizzlies are building something intriguing with their recent draft picks, and if they lean all the way into that youth movement, Jackson could become available.
For Portland, that’s the scenario they should be rooting for.
Jackson checks every box for the Blazers. He’s the kind of two-way star who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, which is exactly the type of player you want next to someone like Avdija. With Avdija handling more of the offensive creation and playmaking, Jackson could slide into a role where he anchors the defense, spaces the floor, and gives Portland a legitimate inside-outside dynamic - all without disrupting the offensive rhythm.
Finding that kind of co-star is rare. Finding one who might actually be gettable? That’s almost unheard of.
Earlier in the trade season, Trey Murphy III looked like a potential target who fit that mold - a versatile, low-usage, high-impact player. But with the Pelicans reportedly pulling most of their young core off the table, including Murphy, the Blazers’ best (and perhaps only) shot at landing a difference-maker now lies with Jackson.
Of course, it all hinges on what Memphis decides to do with Morant. If the Grizzlies hold onto him and try to retool around their current core, Jackson likely stays put. But if they move Morant and go all-in on youth, the door opens - and Portland needs to be ready to walk through it.
The Blazers don’t need to make a splash just for the sake of it. They need the right move. And if Jackson becomes available, that’s the kind of franchise-altering opportunity you don’t pass up.