Damian Lillard is back in Portland, but under circumstances nobody could have predicted. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks following a serious Achilles injury, the superstar point guard chose to return to the team where he built his legacy.
While there are doubts about how quickly he’ll regain his elite form, the Trail Blazers have to take advantage. A franchise icon has come home, and the organization must decide whether to fully commit to maximizing the final stretch of his career. If Portland truly wants to give Lillard a chance to compete at the highest level again, the front office needs to surround him with All-Stars.
That’s why the Trail Blazers should strongly consider targeting Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. The 28-year-old former All-Star (19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG) has blossomed into one of the league’s most versatile two-way forwards, and with Utah going after a rebuild, Portland could seize the opportunity to pry him away.
For a team desperate to honor its franchise cornerstone and capitalize on his comeback, this could be the bold move that Portland should go after. Let’s dive in.
Proposed Trade Details
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, 2030 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
Portland Create A Very Talented Starting Lineup
If Damian Lillard can return to even 80-90% of his pre-injury form, the Blazers suddenly look like a team capable of making real noise in the Western Conference. A starting five of Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe (or Toumani Camara), Lauri Markkanen, and Donovan Clingan combines elite shot-making, perimeter defense, size, and rim protection.
Lillard (24.9 PPG, 7.1 APG) and Holiday (11.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG) form a veteran backcourt that can control tempo and balance offensive creation with lockdown defense, while Sharpe (18.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.8 APG) provides the youthful explosiveness that Portland needs on the wing. Opting for Camara (11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG) could also work, meaning Sharpe comes off the bench for immediate scoring and athletic prowess.
With Markkanen stretching the floor and Clingan anchoring the paint (6.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG in 19.8 MPG last season), the Blazers would field one of the most balanced lineups in the NBA. What makes this group so dangerous is its versatility.
Lillard’s playmaking and deep shooting would keep defenses honest, opening up driving lanes for Sharpe and post-up opportunities for Markkanen. The combination of youth and experience allows the Blazers to build a win-now roster without sacrificing long-term upside.
Holiday and Markkanen are also low-maintenance stars who don’t require high usage to impact games, perfectly complementing Lillard’s ball-dominant style. For the first time in years, Portland could put together a starting unit that looks like a legitimate contender on paper.
Utah Continues Rebuilding With Picks And Assets
For the Jazz, moving Markkanen is about leaning fully into their rebuild and maximizing his trade value while he’s in his prime. The Finnish forward is due for a massive extension, and Utah might not want to commit long-term money to a roster that still needs multiple years of development.
By dealing him to Portland, the Jazz could receive a package of young players, future draft picks, and possibly salary filler to set themselves up for long-term success. This type of move aligns with Danny Ainge’s reputation for aggressively flipping stars at peak value.
Portland, desperate to accelerate its win-now timeline, would likely pay a premium to get Markkanen, which means Utah could walk away with two unprotected first-round picks. Those assets could become the foundation for the next era of Jazz basketball, particularly with how volatile the Western Conference can be. In addition, they can further flip Jerami Grant (14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG) and/or Matisse Thybulle (7.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG) for at least a first-round pick and second-rounders.
This strategy also buys Utah time. With Isiaha Collier, Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler already in place, the Jazz can focus on internal growth without being forced to win now. Adding future draft capital ensures flexibility in the trade market down the road, allowing Utah to pounce when the right superstar becomes available.
A Perfect “Welcome Home” Gift For Dame
When Damian Lillard signed back with Portland after his release from Milwaukee, it was as much a sentimental homecoming as it was a basketball decision. The Blazers owe it to their franchise icon to surround him with a roster that can actually compete.
Trading for Lauri Markkanen would send a clear message: this organization is serious about giving Lillard the supporting cast he deserves in the twilight of his career. After years of speculation and trade rumors, a Markkanen acquisition would be the ultimate “welcome home” gesture to their loyal superstar.
The move would also revitalize Portland’s fanbase. Rip City has always rallied around Lillard, but it has been an ugly last few seasons. Bringing in Markkanen provides hope, star power, and an exciting pairing that fans can immediately buy into.
Finally, this trade would give Lillard a legitimate chance to chase a championship in a Blazers jersey, which is a storybook ending that fans and the organization have long dreamed of. Instead of watching him fade into irrelevance on a middling roster, Portland can put him back on the big stage with the right supporting cast.
