Jan 17, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Portland Trail Blazers logo warmup jersey before the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Trail Blazers Shockingly Trade 11th Pick for Huge Haul

Originally posted on Portland Trail Blazers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:40 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers have been searching for a superstar player since trading Damian Lillard. They haven't found one yet, or he hasn't developed on the current roster yet.

With the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they were expected to draft someone who might be able to develop into a star. Instead, they traded the pick to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Portland drafted Cedric Coward, but they decided to trade him to Memphis, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. It was the second straight pick that was traded in the first round.

In exchange for the 11th pick, the Blazers were able to get another first-round pick in 2028 and the 16th pick.

The Grizzlies are sending No. 16, a 2028 first-round pick via Orlando and two seconds to Portland for Cedric Coward, sources said. https://t.co/vLA63Gg3G8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2025

Portland must not have seen who they wanted on the board and decided to move back to acquire more draft capital. It's not a bad strategy for a team that already has a ton of young players.

The Blazers will now have a shot to get a really good player in a few years if the Grizzlies decide to blow it up around Ja Morant. Portland could have a chance to get another lottery pick.

Joe Cronin is trying to build his team into a winner next year while also maintaining flexibility to get future superstars. It's a tough line to thread, especially with how the current roster is set up.

Adding three draft picks in exchange for one is a pretty good deal for Portland, especially if they didn't love anyone left at that spot. It's a no-brainer for them to move back.

Portland is ready to build around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan. Those are the three guys who seem to have the biggest upside.

The Blazers will have to play at their best in a very competitive Western Conference to make the playoffs next season. They hope that the 16th pick can help them do that, as well as build towards a more competitive future.

Joe Cronin signed a contract extension during the year, so this is a chance for him to really concoct a plan.

More Portland Trail Blazers news: Blazers Should Be Hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets Traded

Blazers News: CJ McCollum Has Bizarre Reponse Following Blockbuster Trade

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This article first appeared on Portland Trail Blazers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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