The Portland Trail Blazers made a bold move this season, and it's already paying off. The addition of Deni Avdija in the trade with the Washington Wizards has given the franchise a much-needed jolt of star power.
Avdija’s first All-Star selection isn’t just a milestone-it’s a reflection of how much he’s carried this injury-riddled Portland team. But if the Blazers want to do more than just survive the Western Conference gauntlet, they’ll need to keep stacking talent.
That means looking beyond what they already have. The front office will be eyeing external upgrades this offseason, especially with the possibility-however remote-of a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo becoming available. Portland’s war chest includes those valuable Bucks picks from the Damian Lillard trade, giving them the kind of leverage that could facilitate a multi-team blockbuster.
But not all upgrades have to come from outside. In fact, one of the most significant additions might already be on the roster.
The Dame Factor: Portland’s Internal X-Factor
Damian Lillard’s return looms large-not just as a feel-good story, but as a potential game-changer. The Blazers are quietly optimistic about his recovery from a torn Achilles, and while that optimism is tempered by realism-he’s in his mid-30s, and Achilles injuries are no joke-there’s a sense that Lillard might just beat the odds.
He’s already turning heads with his surprise entry into the All-Star Weekend’s 3-point contest, a move that signals confidence in his progress. And with the way modern rehab and sports science have evolved, the idea of a full recovery isn’t as far-fetched as it once was.
The contract situation also works in Portland’s favor. Lillard’s deal is team-friendly, and with a no-trade clause in place, he’s not going anywhere. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Blazers see Lillard’s return as a key piece of their playoff puzzle-especially when paired with Avdija’s breakout.
“Dame Lillard is in Portland, and I think he's in Portland to stay,” Fischer said during a recent livestream. “There’s definitely some thought for the Blazers that Dame Lillard coming back from an Achilles tear next season will help the Blazers with newly-crowned All-Star Deni Avdija. They'll help them compete and get back into the playoffs next year.”
It’s a win-win. Lillard gets to rehab close to home and rejoin a roster that’s in a much better place than the one he left behind in 2023. And the Blazers get a battle-tested leader who, if healthy, can elevate everyone around him-especially Avdija.
Why Lillard and Avdija Could Be a Nightmare Duo
From a basketball standpoint, the pairing just makes sense. Lillard’s offensive gravity is the perfect complement to Avdija’s driving ability.
Portland has built a defense-first identity, which helps cover for any defensive concerns with Lillard. But what they’ve lacked all season is consistent shooting-and that’s where Dame comes in.
Let’s talk numbers. The Blazers are 20-8 in games where they shoot at least 33% from deep.
Yet they rank dead last in the league in 3-point percentage at 33.9%. That tells you everything you need to know: when they can shoot, they can win.
And adding one of the greatest shooters in NBA history back into the mix changes the math completely.
For Avdija, that extra spacing opens up the floor in ways he hasn’t experienced yet in Portland. He currently leads the NBA with 19.8 drives per game and ranks in the top 10 in potential assists at 13.9 per game.
And he’s doing it without elite shooters around him. Imagine what happens when defenders can’t collapse on him because they’re too worried about Lillard pulling up from 30 feet.
That’s the kind of offensive synergy that gives opposing coaches headaches. Do you help on Avdija’s drive and risk leaving Lillard open?
Or stay home on Dame and let Avdija attack downhill? Pick your poison.
A New Era in Rip City?
This isn’t just about Lillard returning to the court. It’s about a new chapter in Portland-one where the team finally has a one-two punch that can go toe-to-toe with the West’s elite.
Avdija’s emergence as an All-Star gives the Blazers a foundational piece. If Lillard can return to even 85% of his old self, that’s a core with real potential.
There’s still a lot of work to be done. Portland needs to keep building, both through the draft and in free agency. But for the first time in a while, there’s a clear direction-and a reason for optimism.
And if Lillard’s comeback story ends with him leading a playoff push alongside Avdija? That’s the kind of full-circle moment that Rip City fans have been waiting for.