The Portland Trail Blazers lived up to their label as a wildcard team to keep an eye on this offseason. Here's a breakdown of what's happened to date:
In: Ja Morant, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter
Out: Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, Caleb Love
They have also extended Robert Williams III to a three-year deal, with decisions still to be made regarding free agents Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley.
Despite this revamped roster, Portland's biggest addition will come from none other than franchise icon Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard is a perfect fit for the new era Blazers
At 35 years old, it's wise to temper expectations for Lillard to return to 100 percent of the player he was before the Achilles injury. That said, it's hard not to get excited about his first game back in the Moda Center where he belongs.
It's not only the feel-good aspect surrounding what he's already accomplished for this franchise as arguably the best ever to put on a Blazers jersey. Last season's playoff appearance and subsequent quick first-round exit at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs showed that this team still needs Dame.
It's impressive Portland even managed to pull off a 42-win season and reach the postseason considering their flaws in key offensive categories. They ranked dead last in turnovers and 28th in three-point efficiency -- two areas Lillard will immediately come in and help clean up.
The ideal roster fit is also a two-way street though, as Portland's defensive weapons -- Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday, Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, and Sidy Cissoko -- will help cover for the limitations that have been an issue for Lillard throughout his career.
New head coach Micah Nori will have to figure out how these pieces best fit together in terms of rotations and even starting lineups, but it's a luxury rather than a problem. That's why, despite the backcourt logjam that resulted from the shocking Ja Morant deal, Portland is content heading into the 2026-27 season with four point guards.
Their true building blocks are in the frontcourt with Camara, Clingan, and Deni Avdija. And if the backcourt is able to catch up this season, Portland could be a dangerous playoff threat that teams aren't excited to face.
Morant's arrival and Lillard's return give them more bites at the apple to find that star to help take this team to another level. But even if Lillard is 80-90 percent of the player he once was, that's going to do wonders for a Blazers offense that desperately needed someone of his caliber and skill set.
That's why, despite the offseason chaos, the best addition was the one hiding under them all along.
I don't think it will fully kick in that Lillard is back until the Blazers' season opener. It's already apparent how much this city missed him, but only then will it process how much this team still needs him on the court, too.
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