2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[Wizenheimer]

I want to say: usually I'm one who has the more negative takes about Blazer moves. Now, maybe it's because so much of my negativity was welded to Ayton and Simons on the team. They were two of my most disliked Blazer players in a long time. And I was worried that Cronin was going to re-sign them

but in the course of a week Cronin got rid of both. That elevates my opinion of Cronin quite a bit. Sure, trading for Jrue has a significant puzzle factor. The age; the contract...yikes! But he's a fun player to watch, the defense will be even better, and as of right now, I don't dislike any of the current Blazers. next season, for the first time in years, I'm looking forward to the ride

oh, and by the way, in 2027-28 when Jrue and Grant will be in the final years of their deal combining for 73M in salary, the luxury tax line is projected to be 228M

[DaVoiceMaster]

What is Atlanta doing? They already have Daniels and now they sign Kennard and Alexander-Walker?

[DaVoiceMaster]

I want to say: usually I'm one who has the more negative takes about Blazer moves. Now, maybe it's because so much of my negativity was welded to Ayton and Simons on the team. They were two of my most disliked Blazer players in a long time. And I was worried that Cronin was going to re-sign them

but in the course of a week Cronin got rid of both. That elevates my opinion of Cronin quite a bit. Sure, trading for Jrue has a significant puzzle factor. The age; the contract...yikes! But he's a fun player to watch, the defense will be even better, and as of right now, I don't dislike any of the current Blazers. next season, for the first time in years, I'm looking forward to the ride

oh, and by the way, in 2027-28 when Jrue and Grant will be in the final years of their deal combining for 73M in salary, the luxury tax line is projected to be 228M

I'm with ya. If Cronin moves Grant, I will have a completely different opinion about him.

[PDXKnight]

^ Yeah and the expirings line up ok enough with clingan and Denis contracts expiring that year.

The verdict is still out, the Sharpe extension and the Camara extension im sure are in the works. Get something done with Camara its a huge win, overpay for Sharpe maybe would undo a lot of good that has been done.

But it for sure is great to dump ant/ ayton. This offense should open up a ton now that the black holes are gone. Clingan Camara and Scoot really have a nice opportunity to see expanded roles next season, would love to see Camara get to 18 ppg by 2027 as he could probably be an all star at that point as a 2 way player. And if scoot can continue to play within his game perhaps he slowly grows into the starter but even as a likely reserve I feel he and sharpe will play much better with jrue than they did with ant who just created a logjam to the flow of the offense. Honestly would've preferred we just buy ant out to taking on the money but I cant deny the fit with jrue.

I havent honestly thought this for awhile but this feels like a team that could make the play offs or at least the play in. We unloaded the guys that really hampered us from playing winning basketball and now it feels like its possible. There's certainly questions, center depth feels like it could be an issue, shooting is lacking currently, and who becomes our primary ball handler moving forward?, not to mention will grant be here? Feels like grant is killing the mojo hopefully that issue will be solved soon

[HoopsFanAZ]

I acknowledge and agree with the point that my use of a theoretical longggg extension by the Blazers of Simons is less preferable than the actual contract of Holiday -- 2 years plus a p-opt. This is true. It is also true that Cronin did not have to give Ant an extension of 4 or 5 years and a raise EVEN THOUGH Blazers management has done this sort of thing in the past.

Ant has gravity on O, gets his own shot, and scores at 3 levels ... and sucks at D and isn't a playmaker for others. Holiday, IMHO, is far better (in theory) for the current team, and (in theory with negativism included) will have no worse and maybe a better contract in the future. In theory.

As has been noted, he and Grant will account for $73.6M in their p-opt year of 2027-2028. This also means that a 34-year-old Grant and a 38-year-old Holiday's combined salaries can be (should be) off the books in the summer of 2028. I like that. The contracts of Scoot, Sharpe, Clingan, and Deni will already be resolved at that point.

[dckingsfan]

I want to say: usually I'm one who has the more negative takes about Blazer moves. Now, maybe it's because so much of my negativity was welded to Ayton and Simons on the team. They were two of my most disliked Blazer players in a long time. And I was worried that Cronin was going to re-sign them

but in the course of a week Cronin got rid of both. That elevates my opinion of Cronin quite a bit. Sure, trading for Jrue has a significant puzzle factor. The age; the contract...yikes! But he's a fun player to watch, the defense will be even better, and as of right now, I don't dislike any of the current Blazers. next season, for the first time in years, I'm looking forward to the ride

oh, and by the way, in 2027-28 when Jrue and Grant will be in the final years of their deal combining for 73M in salary, the luxury tax line is projected to be 228M

Yeah, I may want to quibble on specific moves (like we should have received the SRPs in the Holiday trade and I didn't like the Yang pick) but... there is directionality.

As you point out Ayton and Simons are gone. This allows Clingan and Scoot to develop. Your two worst defenders are gone, that allows Billups to focus on team defense and they added a guard (albeit old) who is defensive minded.

Our cap space is fine given where we are at - now there needs to be a bit of skill and luck. Skill in development of the youngsters, luck in that they have what it takes to develop.

One can argue that they didn't like the moves. But again, a clear direction.

[zzaj]

My only real quibble with Cronin is the timing of getting off of Ayton and Simons. It would have been smarter to get off of both a year or two earlier. That being said, who knows what the deals looked like back then. Also, as it turns out this last draft appears to have a pretty steep tier decline after pick 2.

I do wonder how the guard rotation is going to end up--it's not a good look that your #3 PG pick is still coming off the bench in year 3. But that could also just be that Scoot isn't very good, and/or he's taking some time to develop. And Shaedon's projected role and the best case scenario is to groom him for being a primary creator and undeniable offensive player with the ball in his hands. He's trending up, but again...not a great look if he comes off the bench in year 4.

[Case2012]

Bring Dame home.

[BlazersBroncos]

No reason to sign Dame. I think he takes the year off and ring chases summer 2026.

Dame is likely a MLE level guy now. That injury at his age is a killer. We have seen (much) worse versions of the no-D guards go for pennies this offseason. Think Dame is relegated to chasing rings from now on.

[DusterBuster]

No reason to sign Dame. I think he takes the year off and ring chases summer 2026.

Dame is likely a MLE level guy now. That injury at his age is a killer. We have seen (much) worse versions of the no-D guards go for pennies this offseason. Think Dame is relegated to chasing rings from now on.

I would agree with this.

If he resigns with Portland, my guess is it would be for a small-ish 2 year deal, 1 + team or player option. Really, he's just here to rehab and not actually play and be a salary filler in a trade or they can buy him out so he can go to another title team to end the season or sign as a FA next summer... not to actually have any expectation to play.

[zzaj]

No reason to sign Dame. I think he takes the year off and ring chases summer 2026.

Dame is likely a MLE level guy now. That injury at his age is a killer. We have seen (much) worse versions of the no-D guards go for pennies this offseason. Think Dame is relegated to chasing rings from now on.

I would agree with this.

If he resigns with Portland, my guess is it would be for a small-ish 2 year deal, 1 + team or player option. Really, he's just here to rehab and not actually play and be a salary filler in a trade or they can buy him out so he can go to another title team to end the season or sign as a FA next summer... not to actually have any expectation to play.

I've often wondered about cases like this...where an injured player is traded (or whatever) in the middle of their rehab. Like, this morning Lillard is probably AT the Bucks facility working through the steps in his daily rehab. After today, where does he go? That must be so disruptive for players to have to adjust their routine, find new private facilities (maybe he just hires somebody to go through his stuff at his house?). And then in the case of him signing elsewhere he has to do it all over again and deal with new team MDs and therapists to surround himself with.

Granted, his road is MUCH easier given the amount of money he can throw at the situation--but it still would suck to have to deal with when you're at the beginning(ish) stages of rehabbing acute injury.

[Case2012]

Blasphemers..

Not saying build the team around Dame, but he could absolutely be a 6th man and add much needed shooting. If Scoot hasn't proved that he can be a starter, then get something for him and Let Dame and Jrue be the PG rotation... there's certainly worse options than Jrue Holiday and Dame Lillard.

He'll probably sign in Miami or LA but I would like to have him back.. This team would be ideal to make up for his defense. Underestimating Dame has never been a good idea, he beat a life-threatening condition in 3 weeks before the injury. He was an allstar the last 2 seasons... He put up 25 7 and 5 in a horrible system as a second fiddle.

Now posters that loved him his entire career after he carried this franchise for a decade as a top 10 player wanna crap on him like he's some washed up 3rd stringer scrub. So what if he's 36? Chris Paul led the suns to the finals at 36. It's Damian Lillard, what is wrong with you people?

He wouldn't be a good mentor? He's the greatest blazer PG of all time. He's a legend in this city and a pretty **** awesome human being. He wouldn't be a good mentor because he's not a great defensive player? He's one of the best scoring PG's ever. EVER. Gtfoh with that. Jrue didn't even want to come here. Dame was the most loyal player in the league and this two faced lying franchise betrayed him. Joe lied for years about building around him with those picks and instead decided to tank and draft his replacement, who's been a borderline bust for where he was taken, the expectations, and the players taken after him.

We aren't winning ANYTHING in the next few years how we are built. This win now stuff is a fantasy to try and save his job. You might as well take one shot at winning with Dame on a team that's perfect for him. We don't have a star, we don't have scoring, we don't have a shot in hell of a FA wanting to sign here. a 2 year vet min deal doesn't affect our cap space. He could be a very nice scoring punch off the bench.

Bring Dame home.

[Norm2953]

No reason to sign Dame. I think he takes the year off and ring chases summer 2026.

Dame is likely a MLE level guy now. That injury at his age is a killer. We have seen (much) worse versions of the no-D guards go for pennies this offseason. Think Dame is relegated to chasing rings from now on.

I would agree with this.

If he resigns with Portland, my guess is it would be for a small-ish 2 year deal, 1 + team or player option. Really, he's just here to rehab and not actually play and be a salary filler in a trade or they can buy him out so he can go to another title team to end the season or sign as a FA next summer... not to actually have any expectation to play.

I could get onboard with a 1+1 type of deal, especially if its a team option

It'll be interesting to see how his rehab goes and what type of player he will be when he returns

[DusterBuster]

No reason to sign Dame. I think he takes the year off and ring chases summer 2026.

Dame is likely a MLE level guy now. That injury at his age is a killer. We have seen (much) worse versions of the no-D guards go for pennies this offseason. Think Dame is relegated to chasing rings from now on.

I would agree with this.

If he resigns with Portland, my guess is it would be for a small-ish 2 year deal, 1 + team or player option. Really, he's just here to rehab and not actually play and be a salary filler in a trade or they can buy him out so he can go to another title team to end the season or sign as a FA next summer... not to actually have any expectation to play.

I've often wondered about cases like this...where an injured player is traded (or whatever) in the middle of their rehab. Like, this morning Lillard is probably AT the Bucks facility working through the steps in his daily rehab. After today, where does he go? That must be so disruptive for players to have to adjust their routine, find new private facilities (maybe he just hires somebody to go through his stuff at his house?). And then in the case of him signing elsewhere he has to do it all over again and deal with new team MDs and therapists to surround himself with.

Granted, his road is MUCH easier given the amount of money he can throw at the situation--but it still would suck to have to deal with when you're at the beginning(ish) stages of rehabbing acute injury.

Dame still lives in Portland in the offseason. So he's back here.

He's likely just rehabbing at his house. He has a full indoor court and I'm sure personal gym and trainers at home, so he probably can do nearly 100% of his rehab from home, not needing a team facility. A player who has made as much as Dame has those luxuries.

[zzaj]

I would agree with this.

If he resigns with Portland, my guess is it would be for a small-ish 2 year deal, 1 + team or player option. Really, he's just here to rehab and not actually play and be a salary filler in a trade or they can buy him out so he can go to another title team to end the season or sign as a FA next summer... not to actually have any expectation to play.

I've often wondered about cases like this...where an injured player is traded (or whatever) in the middle of their rehab. Like, this morning Lillard is probably AT the Bucks facility working through the steps in his daily rehab. After today, where does he go? That must be so disruptive for players to have to adjust their routine, find new private facilities (maybe he just hires somebody to go through his stuff at his house?). And then in the case of him signing elsewhere he has to do it all over again and deal with new team MDs and therapists to surround himself with.

Granted, his road is MUCH easier given the amount of money he can throw at the situation--but it still would suck to have to deal with when you're at the beginning(ish) stages of rehabbing acute injury.

Dame still lives in Portland in the offseason. So he's back here.

He's likely just rehabbing at his house. He has a full indoor court and I'm sure personal gym and trainers at home, so he probably can do nearly 100% of his rehab from home, not needing a team facility. A player who has made as much as Dame has those luxuries.

Oh does he? I know he has a house here still, but didn't realize he spends summers in PDX...just assumed because he was under contract in MIL and rehabbing a pretty specific injury he'd be doing it there with team providers.

[DusterBuster]

I've often wondered about cases like this...where an injured player is traded (or whatever) in the middle of their rehab. Like, this morning Lillard is probably AT the Bucks facility working through the steps in his daily rehab. After today, where does he go? That must be so disruptive for players to have to adjust their routine, find new private facilities (maybe he just hires somebody to go through his stuff at his house?). And then in the case of him signing elsewhere he has to do it all over again and deal with new team MDs and therapists to surround himself with.

Granted, his road is MUCH easier given the amount of money he can throw at the situation--but it still would suck to have to deal with when you're at the beginning(ish) stages of rehabbing acute injury.

Dame still lives in Portland in the offseason. So he's back here.

He's likely just rehabbing at his house. He has a full indoor court and I'm sure personal gym and trainers at home, so he probably can do nearly 100% of his rehab from home, not needing a team facility. A player who has made as much as Dame has those luxuries.

Oh does he? I know he has a house here still, but didn't realize he spends summers in PDX...just assumed because he was under contract in MIL and rehabbing a pretty specific injury he'd be doing it there with team providers.

Chris Haynes said on his report that the Bucks FO just talked to Dame a few days ago (when discussing how much of a surprise the move was) and that the Bucks people flew to Portland for the meeting. So yeah, he’s still 100% a Portland native in the offseason.

[The Sebastian Express]

I'd be fine with Dame on the veteran's minimum for two years, one while he rehabs, if that's what he wanted to take. I personally think it'd be a great situation for all parties, but I understand if he wants to ring chase after he rehabs.

[PDXKnight]

I'd be fine with Dame on the veteran's minimum for two years, one while he rehabs, if that's what he wanted to take. I personally think it'd be a great situation for all parties, but I understand if he wants to ring chase after he rehabs.

Yeah id be down with this if he would, id even give him a 1 year or a po for year 2, hes earned that right at this point he gave his heart for his city

Someone brought up a good point on sports radio, once ownership changes maybe theres less connection to the past so therefore limited desire to bring him home but who knows maybe on the cheap an owner gladly does it if say he chooses to spend a few years on contender(s) and retires in pdx for one last season

[DusterBuster]

I'd be fine with Dame on the veteran's minimum for two years, one while he rehabs, if that's what he wanted to take. I personally think it'd be a great situation for all parties, but I understand if he wants to ring chase after he rehabs.

Yeah id be down with this if he would, id even give him a 1 year or a po for year 2, hes earned that right at this point he gave his heart for his city

Someone brought up a good point on sports radio, once ownership changes maybe theres less connection to the past so therefore limited desire to bring him home but who knows maybe on the cheap an owner gladly does it

It'll depend on the owner honestly. If they get a basketball junky / history-matters guy in the Mark Cuban mold... it would be likely imo. If they just get a owner like an Ishbia who just wants to go hog wild building a team, then I think that could be something both parties just forget about.