5 Moves Blazers should make after trading Damian Lillard
By Tyler Watts
The Portland Trail Blazers granted Damian Lillard’s trade request on Wednesday afternoon as he was shipped to Milwaukee in a three-team blockbuster. It came out of nowhere as the Raptors and Heat were the teams most linked to Lillard. The Bucks are all-in around Giannis and made the move happen.
The Blazers got Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, an unprotected first-round pick in 2029, and two first-round swaps for Dame. Holiday was an All-Star and first-team All-Defense last season. Portland will likely trade him to improve their haul and jump into full rebuild mode.
It will be a transition season for the Blazers, but acquiring a 25-year-old former number-one overall pick to pair with Portland’s young talent was massive. They have a solid young core to play this season and should be looking to improve their draft capital in subsequent deals. Portland is not done, so what is next?
Moves Portland Trail Blazers should make after trading Damian Lillard
5. Start Scoot Henderson
This is the most obvious move on the board. The Blazers go from one franchise point guard to another. Henderson was the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and the teenager played for the G League Ignite last season. He is ready to take over as the starter and lead ball-handler in Portland from his first moment on the floor.
There will be mistakes, but the Blazers are rebuilding. Wins are not their focus. Portland wants to maximize its young talent and continue building its roster. Scoot should be the face of their franchise, and the 19-year-old needs minutes to improve.
Portland Trail Blazers fans should be excited. Scoot Henderson is dynamic and showed during summer league that he can blow past any defender. There will be plenty of highlights and future hype for Henderson this season.