The Portland Trail Blazers have turned their attention to Anthony Davis after the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade between Milwaukee and Miami fell short of involving the Oregon club. The Bucks-Heat swap sent Giannis and Bobby Portis to Milwaukee and Miami in exchange for a package that includes Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, first-round selections in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 pick-swap and a second-rounder in 2033.

Portland had been linked directly to the Greek Freak and, when the possibility of a Boston-Celtics destination emerged, the Blazers also expressed interest in acquiring Jaylen Brown. Those conversations stalled, prompting the front office to shift focus toward a veteran big who can immediately upgrade the team’s interior defense.

The Blazers’ recent postseason loss to Victor Wembanyama highlighted the urgency of that upgrade. Wembanyama averaged 21 points and 8.8 rebounds per game against Portland while shooting 58.3 percent from the field, 53.8 percent from three-point range and 91.3 percent from the free-throw line. Despite missing part of game two and all of game three with a concussion, he maintained 50/40/90-type efficiency. Davis has been cited as one of the few players capable of slowing a player of Wembanyama’s size and skill.

Because Davis has not suited up for Washington since the Lakers sent him to the Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, AJ Johnson, a 2026 first-round pick acquired via Oklahoma City, a 2030 protected first-round pick acquired via Golden State and three second-round picks, his market value cannot be much higher than the assets Washington received. Washington will likely ask for more in any future deal.

If Portland can meet Washington’s price, adding a seven-year veteran with elite rim protection would give the Blazers a defensive anchor alongside Clingan and Avdija, whose development could be accelerated by playing with a proven All-Star. The cost would be a significant portion of the draft capital the franchise has been stockpiling, signaling a shift from a pure rebuild to a more aggressive, win-now approach. Should negotiations falter, the team will likely continue to develop its young core and keep the door open for other marquee targets.