Three Prospects the Portland Trail Blazers Could Target in NBA Draft Day Trades

With the 2026 NBA Draft set to take place tomorrow night in Brooklyn, the Portland Trail Blazers find themselves missing two key elements: a selection and a head coach.

But Portland's brass has shown a willingness to operate in an unorthodox manner, and trading into the draft to select a prospect without an acting sideline leader would certainly qualify.

With this in mind, here are three potential targets the Blazers likely wouldn't have to give up much to acquire on draft night: 

The Blazers trading up for Ament is contingent on the Tennessee product falling outside of the lottery. 

There's been some smoke connecting Ament to the Brooklyn Nets at pick No. 6, but the 19-year-old's lack of strength and physicality could cause him to tumble come draft night. 

If he's still available come pick No. 15 — ironically owned by the Chicago Bulls stemming from Portland's involvement in the 2021 Lauri Markkanen trade — Ament would be worth making the call.

The 6-foot-9 forward is exactly the type of high-upside swing Portland’s roster is missing: a lanky wing with legitimate perimeter upside, shot versatility and the tools to grow into a long-term frontcourt partner alongside the Blazers’ young core

Depending on where he's selected, Ejiofor could end up being one of the steals of the 2026 class. 

Portland has to at least prepare for Robert Williams III to potentially depart in unrestricted free agency this summer, a void that Ejiofor could seamlessly fill. 

The St. John's product's size and frame are quite similar to that of the "Time Lord's," although Ejiofor does come with more passing ability than Williams' has displayed throughout his career. At many times in his senior campaign, Ejiofor facilitated Rick Pitino's offensive scheme.

Ejiofor could be snagged anywhere from pick No. 24 to pick No. 30. If he falls to the lower end of that range, and Portland can get him for cheap, the 2026 BIG EAST Player of the Year is a no-brainer. 

Saunders would be — by far — the best low-risk, high-reward option for Portland. 

The BYU sniper will almost certainly be available come day two of the draft on Wednesday, and the price tag to select him may be no more than a couple future second-rounders. 

The Blazers must address their perimeter shooting woes this summer, and trading up for Saunders would do just that, but for a fraction of the price Portland would be forced to pay for external options around the league who may come available.