Stoudamire Worth The Price Execs, Players Say They Gave Up A Lot, But Got A Lot In Return

When added up, the price sounds exorbitant: three productive players, two first-round draft picks and cash. Maybe lots of cash.

But for Trail Blazers officials, it was all worth it to bring Damon Stoudamire home.

Portland traded Kenny Anderson, Gary Trent and hard-working rookie Alvin Williams to the Toronto Raptors Friday for Portland-native Stoudamire, Walt Williams and Carlos Rogers.

Blazers coach Mike Dunleavy said Stoudamire has the potential to be an All-Star in Portland for years to come.

“He hasn’t reached his potential yet, but where he is right now is very, very good,” Dunleavy said of the former Wilson High School star who once scored 58 points in a high school game. “I think he’s got a strong mind and presence as a leader for a ball club.”

Blazers president and general manager Bob Whitsitt said he would make re-signing Stoudamire, who could command up to $15 million on the free-agent market this summer, the team’s top priority.

“Obviously you don’t make a move like this if you’re not committed,” Whitsitt said. “We want him here for the long haul.”

Whitsitt said he hoped to have all three new players in uniform for Sunday night’s game against Denver.

Dunleavy said Stoudamire’s scoring and passing skills, and Walt Williams’ outside shooting, will make the Blazers a better team.

The coach was confident the revamped lineup can carry the team past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992, but said it might take some getting used to.

“I’m hoping that come playoff time, we’ll be a better team than we could have been with the group we have right now,” Dunleavy said.

Blazers forward Brian Grant said the team was surprised by the deal, even though Anderson had been on the trading block for weeks.

“We’re losing three great players, but at the same time we’re losing three good friends,” Grant said. “It’s just part of the business, and you’ve just got to move on.”