The best way is to run the duct work parallel to the ceiling joists. You may have to cross a over a joist. In that case the joist can have a 6 or 8 inch diameter perforation if it is done properly and follows the rules. If the basement is mostly underground, you won't need as many vents as the rooms above ground. The vents are mostly for heating. The cooling load is typically very small.

Have the basement dug a little deeper so you will have more height in the basement.

That's what we did. You possibly could have bigger windows in the basement which is another plus.

Depending on your climate, you might be able to use hydronic or convection baseboard heaters or in-floor heating. So no ductwork at all.

Take pics of the basement I would need to see where the ductwork is but usually those 2 choices are about it unless you go baseboard heaters but the ductwork is also feeding your upper floors . I think we need more info and pictures