Portland Trail Blazers Reportedly Eyeing Forward MarJon Beauchamp After Promising Knicks Stint
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly expressing serious interest in acquiring young forward MarJon Beauchamp, who wrapped up last season with the New York Knicks. According to league sources, the Blazers see Beauchamp as a potential long-term contributor who fits their current rebuilding timeline and culture focused on youth, development, and versatility.
Beauchamp, who originally entered the league as the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, was traded mid-season to the New York Knicks in a three-team deal. While his minutes were somewhat limited in New York due to a crowded wing rotation, the 6-foot-6 swingman showed enough flashes of two-way ability to spark renewed interest from teams around the league — with Portland emerging as one of the most aggressive suitors.
Portland’s Rebuild and the Search for High-Upside Talent
Portland’s interest in Beauchamp is hardly surprising given the team’s ongoing rebuild in the wake of the Damian Lillard era. With a core now centered around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, the Blazers are looking to round out their roster with players who possess both potential and the ability to contribute immediately.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Portland’s front office sees Beauchamp as a “versatile, defensively engaged wing” who could help reinforce the team’s perimeter defense and transition game — two areas that were glaring weaknesses during the 2024-25 season.
“Beauchamp fits the profile of what the Blazers want: length, defensive instincts, and a high motor,” one league executive said anonymously. “He’s still very raw offensively, but Portland believes they can unlock more in his game.”
Beauchamp’s Evolution and Untapped Ceiling
After being drafted by Milwaukee, Beauchamp saw sporadic playing time in his rookie season, playing behind All-Stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Despite his limited role, he made an impression with his hustle, perimeter defense, and ability to cut off-ball.
In New York, he was granted slightly more opportunity, particularly during stretches when injuries piled up. While he averaged just 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in limited action across 34 games, it was his defensive assignments — often guarding the opponent’s top wing scorer — that quietly drew praise from the Knicks coaching staff.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his demanding defensive standards, was reportedly “encouraged” by Beauchamp’s effort and adaptability, particularly in high-leverage situations late in the regular season.
“He’s a guy that just gets after it,” Thibodeau said in a late-season interview. “No matter who he’s up against, he competes. And for young guys, that’s the first step — effort.”
Why the Blazers Make Sense
Portland currently lacks wing depth, particularly players with the size and agility to defend multiple positions. While Toumani Camara and Kris Murray are intriguing young pieces, the team is looking to fortify its forward rotation, especially with veteran forward Jerami Grant‘s future with the team uncertain amid ongoing trade rumors.
Beauchamp’s ability to play both shooting guard and small forward could provide flexibility for head coach Chauncey Billups, who has often emphasized defensive versatility as a foundation for the team’s evolving identity.
The Blazers are reportedly considering offering a future second-round pick or a protected first-round pick swap to acquire Beauchamp. The Knicks, meanwhile, are rumored to be open to moving him if it helps them create roster space and gather assets for larger deals — particularly if they continue to pursue stars like Donovan Mitchell or Karl-Anthony Towns.
Development Over Stardom
Beauchamp is not being courted as a savior in Portland, but rather as a development piece — someone who can grow alongside the team’s young core and help establish a gritty, defense-first identity that mirrors the franchise’s past DNA. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, scouts believe that with regular minutes and the right coaching, he could blossom into a solid 3-and-D player.
“He’s never going to be a 20-point scorer, but he doesn’t have to be,” said a Western Conference scout. “If he can knock down open threes and lock up wings, he becomes very valuable on a team like Portland.”
What’s Next?
Whether a deal materializes remains to be seen, but all signs point to continued conversations between the Knicks and Blazers. Portland has the roster flexibility and patience to take a chance on a player like Beauchamp, while the Knicks may be looking to consolidate and refocus their assets as they chase bigger fish in free agency or via trade.
In the end, the Blazers’ interest in Beauchamp signals a continued commitment to building through youth and grit — and perhaps a belief that the overlooked former G League Ignite standout still has untapped potential waiting to be unleashed in the right environment.
If a deal does go through, Beauchamp could find himself in a perfect situation: a young team, a coach who values defense, and a fan base ready to embrace the next era of Trail Blazers basketball.
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