Portland Trail Blazers Eye Beauchamp Following Knicks, Bucks Decisions
After the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks passed on extending MarJon Beauchamp, the promising forward may be getting a new start in Portland. With Damian Lillard back in the fold and Jrue Holiday possibly on the move, the Trail Blazers could be the perfect landing spot for the versatile free agent.
MarJon Beauchamp, a 6-foot-6 guard/forward who once had promised upside as a gritty two-way prospect, has been left out by both the New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks in a calculated off-season move.
ESPN reported that the Bucks declined to sign Beauchamp to his $4.8 million fourth-year rookie option for the 2025-26 season, which caused controversy in league circles. The Knicks refused to offer him a qualifying offer days later, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Beauchamp, who was selected 24th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has shown signs of defensive versatility and offensive explosiveness while playing in Milwaukee and briefly in New York. As a free agent, Beauchamp’s name has come up in connection with multiple teams looking to improve their wing depth, most notably the Portland Trail Blazers.
Trail Blazers Could Be Beauchamp’s Next Stop
A well-known NBA source who recently spoke with LandonBuford.com said that Portland is interested in bringing in the 23-year-old. The Trail Blazers’ strategic rebuilding involves adding youth, athleticism, and defensive-minded talent, making it seem like a natural fit. Beauchamp’s skill set, which includes high-energy defense, slashing ability, and scoring potential, perfectly matches Portland’s development-focused roster.
The team’s foundation is still held by Damian Lillard, who has returned to the franchise on a three-year, $41.6 million deal. The need to recruit young talent to complement or replace veteran leadership is urgent.
Damian Lillard’s Return Shifts the Franchise Dynamics
Grant Afseth from FastBreakJournal.com has observed that Portland is facing an intriguing balancing act due to Lillard’s unexpected return. The Blazers still have one of the most prolific scorers in franchise history on one hand. Lillard’s presence, along with other experienced veterans, could hinder the full acceptance of a youth movement. If Portland continues to trade Jrue Holiday, who was originally acquired as part of a separate transaction, that could further accelerate the shift towards a younger, more development-oriented core. Holiday, who is 35, is considered to be misaligned with the Blazers’ long-term timeline and is currently being traded to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lakers Have Trade Assets to Make a Move for Holiday
Holiday is believed to be in a strong position to be acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers if they decide to pursue him. The franchise has ample trade chips in the form of expiring contracts, including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, which together total over $40.7 million. Los Angeles can trade without sacrificing key pieces like LeBron James or Austin Reaves because of this flexibility. Although the Lakers added Marcus Smart this offseason to fortify their perimeter defense, there remains room for an additional ballhandler and backcourt defender, especially one with postseason experience like Holiday. In the event of such a transaction, Portland would likely have a backcourt void that Beauchamp could fill.
Beauchamp Offers High-Upside, Low-Risk Investment for Portland
In case the Blazers move on from Holiday, signing MarJon Beauchamp would be a clever and cost-effective move. Beauchamp, who is still in his early years and eager to prove himself, could flourish in Portland’s open system, particularly with the guidance of Chauncey Billups, who is known for maximizing guard development.
Beauchamp played in Milwaukee for only a limited amount of time, and averaged 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.5 steals per game. Those numbers won’t be a big deal, but they don’t provide the complete story. Bucks coaches frequently praised his defensive abilities, particularly against wings and smaller forwards. He scored a respectable 33.7% from deep, indicating a developing perimeter game.
Roster Composition Suggests Room for Beauchamp
Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Kris Murray make up the Trail Blazers’ roster, which is a blend of veterans and prospects. Beauchamp’s inclusion in that mix would add more depth and competition at the wing, and provide Portland with an athletic, switchable defender in a conference that oversized guards and dynamic wings increasingly dominate.
Portland’s willingness to be flexible and plan for the future could make Beauchamp a valuable addition to their rotation. There’s no reason he can’t become a 3-and-D contributor for a young squad if he can keep improving his shot mechanics and off-ball movement.
Conclusion: A Win-Win Scenario for Beauchamp and the Blazers
In this free agency cycle, Beauchamp could be a steal from Portland’s perspective. Beauchamp could find new life in his career by playing meaningful minutes and developing in a system that prioritizes player development. Despite the NBA offseason being dominated by headline trades and blockbuster moves, the elusive acquisition of players like MarJon Beauchamp can often make the most significant impact in the long run. If the Trail Blazers truly want to create a strong foundation that emphasizes youth, grit, and growth, Beauchamp should be the person to contact.
