Michael Nyarko
The Portland Trail Blazers are anticipated to trade DeAndre Ayton between now and the trade deadline, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“At some point, the Blazers and Ayton are expected to part ways,” sources said, “yet the former first overall pick doesn’t command a market at this time.”
Meanwhile, with the New Orleans Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram and the Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins both already on the trade market, Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World has suggested a three-team trade that could benefit all three teams involved next season.
Leiva’s proposed trade looks like this:
– Warriors receive: Brandon Ingram
– Pelicans receive : Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara
– Blazers receive : Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, 2026 first-round pick (Warriors)
Despite not acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, the Warriors are reportedly not currently showing interest in Brandon Ingram, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. However, Leiva believes Ingram is the right target for Golden State to pursue.
The Pelicans are open to trading Ingram, who is in the final year of his contract. Last season, Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks while shooting 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from beyond the arc, and 80.1% from the free-throw line.
Wiggins, on the other hand, averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 2023-24 for the Warriors, with shooting splits of 45.3% from the field, 35.8% from beyond the arc, and 75.1% from the free-throw line.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Wiggins is one of several Warriors veterans considered potential trade pieces if Golden State decides to make a significant deal. Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II are also mentioned in that category.
As for Ayton, he posted averages of 16.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks for the Blazers in 2023-24, shooting 57.0% from the field and 82.3% from the foul line.
Portland selected Donovan Clingan in this year’s draft lottery, adding him to a frontcourt that already includes DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams.
Williams has struggled with injuries, and Clingan may not be ready to play a significant role right away, so the team might keep all three big men in the short term.
However, it’s unlikely that all three will be part of the Blazers’ long-term plans, making Ayton a possible trade candidate.
Both the Warriors and the Blazers are eager to return to contention next season as they work on revamping their rosters.
While the Blazers are a team in transition, the Warriors are focused on getting back into playoff basketball after missing out last season. The Pelicans, on the other hand, made the playoffs but were swept 4-0 by the Thunder in the first round.