Why Don’t the Trail Blazers Have a Pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?

It's draft day.

Tonight, the 2026 incoming class will have their dreams realized as the largest collection of amateur basketball talent awaits their new professional homes. 

Unfortunately for the Portland Trail Blazers, barring an unforeseen trade, Rip City will not become one of those new professional homes. 

Portland doesn't possess a first- or second-round selection this year due to trades from five years ago. 

Back in 2021, the Blazers were part of a three-team deal that sent Lauri Markkanen from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the transaction, Portland shipped out Derrick Jones Jr. and a protected 2026 first-round pick in exchange for ... Larry Nance Jr. 

The first-round pick Portland sent to Chicago came with a unique set of protections set by former GM Neil Olshey. The selection was lottery-protected through 2028, meaning it would only change hands if the Blazers returned to the postseason and the pick landed outside the top 14.

Once Portland advanced through the play-in back in April, its first-round choice officially conveyed to the Bulls. However, there is a caveat. Clearing the obligation to Chicago allows GM Joe Cronin and company to regain full control over their future first-rounders, which now allows those picks to be included in trades. 

This seems significant considering the reports that Portland may shift its focus to Washington Wizards big man Anthony Davis now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is headed to South Beach and Jaylen Brown's future looks more uncertain than ever. 

Of course, if Boston opens up a bidding war for Brown, the newfound control over their own picks will be a massive plus should Cronin engage in negotiations. 

Nance wasn't even a Blazer for a full season before Portland's brass turned around and traded him, alongside CJ McCollum and Tony Snell, to the New Orleans Pelicans. 

As for the lack of a second-round selection, you'd have to go back even further to find the move responsible.

Portland’s second-round absence traces back to the 2021 NBA Draft. After New Orleans selected Greg Brown III with the No. 43 pick, the Blazers acquired his draft rights by sending the Pelicans their 2026 second-round pick and cash considerations.

There's always a possibility of a trade-up — especially now that Portland has tradeable capital. It's highly unlikely that the Blazers could find their way back into the lottery without sacrificing too much, but a move into the mid-to-late first round shouldn't be ruled out.