2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[Village Idiot]

All in all I am pretty happy with this season. I've never been a fan of tanking and it is contrary to the nature of the individual goals of players and coaches and it is detrimental to building a culture of winning.

Cronin and Billups are both worthy of plenty of criticism, but both deserve some kudos as well. We have two clear core pieces in Deni and Camara, both of whom play hard and smart. Scoot has shown tremendous development, Sharpe less so but plenty to still tantalize us to think us he can be a star. He's no Kobe or Jordan but he can still become a Carter or a Drexler.

I have no idea what Cronin will do but here is what I would do:

- resign Billups to a 2 year deal. I hated the initial hiring and thought Chauncey was a crappy coach both tactically and in terms of player development, but he has great job this year of building a solid culture. I don't see a better coach out there who will be available this off-season. Don't promise him the world. Make him work for it. After this summer, no more tanking, no more losing.

- implement the Thomas Isalo offense that Memphis is using as our primary set. We can always revert back to what we have as the secondary and tertiary sets. We have depth, athleticism and need to maximize movement off-ball.

- Trade Anfernee Simons to Orlando for one of their picks and Jonathan Issac, another strong defender who could do well in a motion offense. Move the pick to Chicago to get control over our pick. I don't see a market for Jerami Grant.

- Draft Egor Demin. I really like his game. Fundamentally solid coming from the Real Madrid system. With more strength and experience sky's the limit. I have him in the second tier of this draft together with Harper, Edgecombe and Bailey. His court vision and passing skills are off the charts.

- Giannis Antekuombo and Bam Adebayo are my targets for the 2026 trade deadline and off-season. Having control over the Bucks picks in 28, 29 and 30 and all of our own picks, as well as the ending contracts of Ayton, Thybulle and RobWill and the possible ending deal of Issac gives us a lot of flexibility and assets to acquire either.

- otherwise run it back and let the team gel. Make the players earn playing time meaning one of Sharpe or Grant should be coming off the bench. Continue with full-court press. Make frequent substituions. Making the playoffs will be difficult for another season but from 2026 we should a solid playoff team

2025-26 line-up

PG: Scoot, Demin, Banton
SG: Avdija, Sharpe, Rupert
SF: Camara, Thybulle, Murray
PF: Grant, Issac, Walker
C: Ayton, Climgan, Williams, Reath

[Pattycakes]

All in all I am pretty happy with this season. I've never been a fan of tanking and it is contrary to the nature of the individual goals of players and coaches and it is detrimental to building a culture of winning.

Cronin and Billups are both worthy of plenty of criticism, but both deserve some kudos as well. We have two clear core pieces in Deni and Camara, both of whom play hard and smart. Scoot has shown tremendous development, Sharpe less so but plenty to still tantalize us to think us he can be a star. He's no Kobe or Jordan but he can still become a Carter or a Drexler.

I have no idea what Cronin will do but here is what I would do:

- resign Billups to a 2 year deal. I hated the initial hiring and thought Chauncey was a crappy coach both tactically and in terms of player development, but he has great job this year of building a solid culture. I don't see a better coach out there who will be available this off-season. Don't promise him the world. Make him work for it. After this summer, no more tanking, no more losing.

- implement the Thomas Isalo offense that Memphis is using as our primary set. We can always revert back to what we have as the secondary and tertiary sets. We have depth, athleticism and need to maximize movement off-ball.

- Trade Anfernee Simons to Orlando for one of their picks and Jonathan Issac, another strong defender who could do well in a motion offense. Move the pick to Chicago to get control over our pick. I don't see a market for Jerami Grant.

- Draft Egor Demin. I really like his game. Fundamentally solid coming from the Real Madrid system. With more strength and experience sky's the limit. I have him in the second tier of this draft together with Harper, Edgecombe and Bailey. His court vision and passing skills are off the charts.

- Giannis Antekuombo and Bam Adebayo are my targets for the 2026 trade deadline and off-season. Having control over the Bucks picks in 28, 29 and 30 and all of our own picks, as well as the ending contracts of Ayton, Thybulle and RobWill and the possible ending deal of Issac gives us a lot of flexibility and assets to acquire either.

- otherwise run it back and let the team gel. Make the players earn playing time meaning one of Sharpe or Grant should be coming off the bench. Continue with full-court press. Make frequent substituions. Making the playoffs will be difficult for another season but from 2026 we should a solid playoff team

2025-26 line-up

PG: Scoot, Demin, Banton
SG: Avdija, Sharpe, Rupert
SF: Camara, Thybulle, Murray
PF: Grant, Issac, Walker
C: Ayton, Climgan, Williams, Reath

Thank Christ there’s still Blazers fans with a brain between their ears.

[Wizenheimer]

All in all I am pretty happy with this season. I've never been a fan of tanking and it is contrary to the nature of the individual goals of players and coaches and it is detrimental to building a culture of winning.

Cronin and Billups are both worthy of plenty of criticism, but both deserve some kudos as well. We have two clear core pieces in Deni and Camara, both of whom play hard and smart. Scoot has shown tremendous development, Sharpe less so but plenty to still tantalize us to think us he can be a star. He's no Kobe or Jordan but he can still become a Carter or a Drexler.

I have no idea what Cronin will do but here is what I would do:

- resign Billups to a 2 year deal. I hated the initial hiring and thought Chauncey was a crappy coach both tactically and in terms of player development, but he has great job this year of building a solid culture. I don't see a better coach out there who will be available this off-season. Don't promise him the world. Make him work for it. After this summer, no more tanking, no more losing.

- implement the Thomas Isalo offense that Memphis is using as our primary set. We can always revert back to what we have as the secondary and tertiary sets. We have depth, athleticism and need to maximize movement off-ball.

- Trade Anfernee Simons to Orlando for one of their picks and Jonathan Issac, another strong defender who could do well in a motion offense. Move the pick to Chicago to get control over our pick. I don't see a market for Jerami Grant.

- Draft Egor Demin. I really like his game. Fundamentally solid coming from the Real Madrid system. With more strength and experience sky's the limit. I have him in the second tier of this draft together with Harper, Edgecombe and Bailey. His court vision and passing skills are off the charts.

- Giannis Antekuombo and Bam Adebayo are my targets for the 2026 trade deadline and off-season. Having control over the Bucks picks in 28, 29 and 30 and all of our own picks, as well as the ending contracts of Ayton, Thybulle and RobWill and the possible ending deal of Issac gives us a lot of flexibility and assets to acquire either.

- otherwise run it back and let the team gel. Make the players earn playing time meaning one of Sharpe or Grant should be coming off the bench. Continue with full-court press. Make frequent substituions. Making the playoffs will be difficult for another season but from 2026 we should a solid playoff team

2025-26 line-up

PG: Scoot, Demin, Banton
SG: Avdija, Sharpe, Rupert
SF: Camara, Thybulle, Murray
PF: Grant, Issac, Walker
C: Ayton, Climgan, Williams, Reath

Thank Christ there’s still Blazers fans with a brain between their ears.

what you mean is "brains" that agree with you rather than brains that don't

[Village Idiot]

All in all I am pretty happy with this season. I've never been a fan of tanking and it is contrary to the nature of the individual goals of players and coaches and it is detrimental to building a culture of winning.

Cronin and Billups are both worthy of plenty of criticism, but both deserve some kudos as well. We have two clear core pieces in Deni and Camara, both of whom play hard and smart. Scoot has shown tremendous development, Sharpe less so but plenty to still tantalize us to think us he can be a star. He's no Kobe or Jordan but he can still become a Carter or a Drexler.

I have no idea what Cronin will do but here is what I would do:

- resign Billups to a 2 year deal. I hated the initial hiring and thought Chauncey was a crappy coach both tactically and in terms of player development, but he has great job this year of building a solid culture. I don't see a better coach out there who will be available this off-season. Don't promise him the world. Make him work for it. After this summer, no more tanking, no more losing.

- implement the Thomas Isalo offense that Memphis is using as our primary set. We can always revert back to what we have as the secondary and tertiary sets. We have depth, athleticism and need to maximize movement off-ball.

- Trade Anfernee Simons to Orlando for one of their picks and Jonathan Issac, another strong defender who could do well in a motion offense. Move the pick to Chicago to get control over our pick. I don't see a market for Jerami Grant.

- Draft Egor Demin. I really like his game. Fundamentally solid coming from the Real Madrid system. With more strength and experience sky's the limit. I have him in the second tier of this draft together with Harper, Edgecombe and Bailey. His court vision and passing skills are off the charts.

- Giannis Antekuombo and Bam Adebayo are my targets for the 2026 trade deadline and off-season. Having control over the Bucks picks in 28, 29 and 30 and all of our own picks, as well as the ending contracts of Ayton, Thybulle and RobWill and the possible ending deal of Issac gives us a lot of flexibility and assets to acquire either.

- otherwise run it back and let the team gel. Make the players earn playing time meaning one of Sharpe or Grant should be coming off the bench. Continue with full-court press. Make frequent substituions. Making the playoffs will be difficult for another season but from 2026 we should a solid playoff team

2025-26 line-up

PG: Scoot, Demin, Banton
SG: Avdija, Sharpe, Rupert
SF: Camara, Thybulle, Murray
PF: Grant, Issac, Walker
C: Ayton, Climgan, Williams, Reath

Thank Christ there’s still Blazers fans with a brain between their ears.

what you mean is "brains" that agree with you rather than brains that don't

You could have just not commented Wiz.

Apologies for having a contrary opinion to the unproductive bitching and moaning that has come to dominate this board. I would hate for this board to become like the trades and transactions board where moderator berating and consensus group think seems to be the goal rather than actual discussion. We don't need a TexasChuck on the Blazers board trying to insist on one perception or opinion being the only valid one. I don't post there anymore due to that tone and I rarely post here do to the negativity.

Note that I was the most pessimistic person on this board on the predictions thread. I am thrilled to have been proven wrong. I love so much about this season. Deni and Camara instantly becoming our forwards of the future. Scoot showing lots of improvment. Thybulle and RobWill playing with heart the little they play. Ayton actually giving a crap and playing with some joy while making contact on screens and solid D. Billups proving me wrong. The guys playing with heart and trying to win. Players don't care about long-term team-building strategy. The NBA is a business and from a player perspective trying to lose is idiotic as it hurts their own value. Billups contract is up in a few weeks. He needed this. Good for him for actually improving and trying to win.

[Wizenheimer]

Thank Christ there’s still Blazers fans with a brain between their ears.

what you mean is "brains" that agree with you rather than brains that don't

You could have just not commented Wiz.

Pattycakes had the same option, and I replied to him (not you) after he implied that posters here who didn't agree with him were stupid

[Walton1one]

Questioning a posters intelligence or fandom, and if you are posting on a message board I would say you are not your average fan, because they are voicing their displeasure with the path this iteration of POR management has taken is a little rich.

I think there is a subset of fans that expect all fans to just be happy and accept whatever this teams' performance is, which is group mind think at its' worst.

Some fans are perfectly happy with the team just being mediocre\middle of the road, some fans expect more, both are valid.

[Walton1one]

No Ceilings Rookie scale big board, not overly promising for POR young players (Scoot & Sharpe). Surprisingly, they have Scoot one place higher than Sharpe.

Scoot @ #18, Sharpe @ #19
Scoot is up 6 spots, Sharpe is up 8 spots

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/nba-rookie-scale-big-board-v3?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=536361&post_id=159519717&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1f5gb9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

this board takes a deeper look at players who are currently in the league, playing on their rookie contract (or, in the case of some former second round picks, players who have inked extensions but would still be on their rookie deals had they been selected in the first round).

This board isn’t meant to be a ranking of the best young NBA players at this current moment. While we are certainly considering current production, we’re also still focused on how these young players continue to project moving forward. We know that development isn’t linear; there’s no reason to completely write a prospect off because they may struggle early on in their career while they adjust to the NBA game.

With the understanding that the NBA talent pool is deeper than ever, this board serves as a recalibration for not only what it takes to become a star but also what it takes just to become one of the Top 30 young players in the league. It’s a reminder that the superstar bar is sky-high, and this exercise helps us keep our expectations and narratives grounded while we discuss the stars of tomorrow who have yet to hit NBA hardwood.

SCOOT

Previous Ranking: 24th

Position: G

Measurements: 6’3”, 202

Season: 2nd

Drafted: 3rd Overall (2023)

Albert: Plain and simple, Scoot Henderson hasn’t had the start to his career that he probably thought he would have. If you look at just the stats on the back of his basketball card, you might think that Scoot has regressed even more in his second season. Although some of his counting stats are lower this season, he’s overall looked more comfortable and seems to be finding more of the Scoot we thought we would get as soon as he marched into the league. Portland has been one of the most fun rosters in the league as Coach Billups has them playing a hard-nosed defensive brand of basketball. With their wide array of interesting talent, Scoot has done a good job of fitting in with the rest of the roster in season two. The shooting efficiency still needs to come up for him to reach his offensive ceiling, but the shot looks smoother. The biggest growth area for him this season has been the decrease in turnovers, and some of that seems to be coming from his adjustment to the speed of the NBA game. He looks more comfortable and not as sped up. It’s also important to note that Coach Billups has kept Scoot accountable during the season, even pulling him from the starting unit when necessary.

SHARPE

Previous Ranking: 27th

Position: G

Measurements: 6’6”, 200

Season: 3rd

Drafted: 7th Overall (2022)

Corey: Smooth. That’s the best way to describe Shaedon Sharpe—whether he’s gliding through the lane, rising up for a jumper, or effortlessly finishing above the rim, everything he does just looks natural. Now in his third season, he’s been a driving force behind Portland’s push into the play-in conversation, flashing the kind of dynamic scoring and elite athleticism that make him a nightmare to defend. His size, movement shooting, and off-ball instincts perfectly complement Scoot Henderson, while his cutting and vertical pop should form a natural synergy with Donovan Clingan in the years ahead. But if there’s one thing you want to see more of, it’s aggression—Sharpe has all the tools to be a foul-drawing machine, yet he too often settles for tough jumpers instead of attacking the rim. Tightening his handle and embracing more physicality could unlock another level for him. The flashes of brilliance are undeniable—now it’s about sharpening the edges and turning those flashes into sustained dominance.

1) Wemby
2) Holmgren
3) Cunningham
4) Banchero
5) Mobley
6) J.Williams
7) F. Wagner
8) Sengun
9) Amen
10) B.Miller
11) Barnes
12) J.Johnson
13) Murphy
14) J.Suggs
15) D.Daniels
16) Castle
17) Lively

@ #24 Donovan Clingan - down 5 spots

Previous Ranking: 19th

Position: C

Measurements: 7’2”, 280

Season: 1st

Drafted: 7th Overall (2024)

Albert: It’s not always the case, but it’s very common to see bigs struggle to adapt to the NBA game right out of the gates. Clingan has had a rock-solid rookie season but hit bumps along the way. He’s had some issues with foul trouble and getting acclimated to the speed and intensity of the NBA game. He’s also still working on getting his conditioning to an ideal level. With all that, the flashes have been there, and Blazers fans have much to be excited about with Clingan. The thing we knew would translate was his size; even amongst NBA bigs, Clingan is a giant. He’s got a great frame with slick feet that are rare to see with a guy his size. His defensive impact has been immediate and a welcome addition to the brand of basketball that the Blazers want to play. He’s even shown off some of the passing chops we knew he had. He’s only taken 32 threes so far this season, but that was always a skill he needed more time to develop. Although his offensive game is still pretty bare bones, the upside is there with the potential of an outside shot, his passing ability, and good touch around the rim. If Clingan can stay healthy, his defensive impact with a growing offensive game makes him a very exciting prospect.

@ 31 Toumani Camara - That seems....low? - Up 19 spots

Previous Ranking: 50th

Position: F

Measurements: 6’8”, 220

Season: 2nd

Drafted: 52nd Overall (2023)

Rucker: It’s been an absolutely sensational season for Toumani Camara. Once viewed as a “filler” in a trade, Camara has blossomed in Portland as one of the top defensive assets in the league. There’s been a serious step forward for Camara this year, as he now looks like a potential building block for the Trail Blazers moving forward. Portland is on the right path and is taking developmental steps forward in a hurry. After averaging 7.5 points per game last year and shooting 33.7% from downtown, Camara has seen his averages jump this season. As of March 20th, he’s at 10.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 37.3% from downtown on almost twice as many three-point attempts as last year.

[Norm2953]

I'd still like to see if there are any guys coming towards the end of their rookie contracts that are in
roughly the same position as Sharpe that their teams might listen to trade offers.

Primarily these will be the guys who were picked in the 2022/2023 drafts. I'd like to see if Indiana would
listen to offers for Jarace Walker who rarely gets to play for example.

[Village Idiot]

I'd still like to see if there are any guys coming towards the end of their rookie contracts that are in
roughly the same position as Sharpe that their teams might listen to trade offers.

Primarily these will be the guys who were picked in the 2022/2023 drafts. I'd like to see if Indiana would
listen to offers for Jarace Walker who rarely gets to play for example.

I really liked Walker and recall wanting to trade the Scoot pick to Orlando for the 6 to draft Walker and the 11 to draft Lively. I wonder what they want for him?

[Wizenheimer]

I'd still like to see if there are any guys coming towards the end of their rookie contracts that are in
roughly the same position as Sharpe that their teams might listen to trade offers.

Primarily these will be the guys who were picked in the 2022/2023 drafts. I'd like to see if Indiana would
listen to offers for Jarace Walker who rarely gets to play for example.

I really liked Walker and recall wanting to trade the Scoot pick to Orlando for the 6 to draft Walker and the 11 to draft Lively. I wonder what they want for him?

Walker hasn't really done much so far. Missing 50 games his rookie season probably set him back. I haven't really seen him play so I don't know how mobile he is. He is shooting a decent % from three for a PF though

Lively would have been a great selection at 11. He's a prototype modern NBA C who can switch to the perimeter on defense. Solid rebounder and rim protector and a highly efficient shooter

Scoot is making progress but he still has quite a ways to go to be just an average PG. The what-if? from the 2023 draft is what if Portland had a wing rotation of Sharpe-Amen Thompson-Camara-Avdija? Right now Sharpe would be the weak link in that 4 link chain

[Norm2953]

I just wonder when he would play for Walker is stuck behind Myles Turner and Pascal Siakum, who are
signed long term with the Pacers.

He's still a big bodied, 6-7 235 lb player, unlike Deni or Camara. That big bodied player might be
what Portland needs while the Pacers pickup a late lottery pick in a solid 2025 draft for a player who
has no room to get PT where he is now.

[dckingsfan]

I just wonder when he would play for Walker is stuck behind Myles Turner and Pascal Siakum, who are signed long term with the Pacers.

He's still a big bodied, 6-7 235 lb player, unlike Deni or Camara. That big bodied player might be what Portland needs while the Pacers pickup a late lottery pick in a solid 2025 draft for a player who has no room to get PT where he is now.

Only one thing - Turner is a UFR this off-season. Indiana will either need to take a C in the draft or in FA or both. Many have them taking Danny Wolf. I guess a Wolf/Bryant (assuming Bryant resigns) duo wouldn't be terrible... just don't know.

[BlazersBroncos]

I just wonder when he would play for Walker is stuck behind Myles Turner and Pascal Siakum, who are signed long term with the Pacers.

He's still a big bodied, 6-7 235 lb player, unlike Deni or Camara. That big bodied player might be what Portland needs while the Pacers pickup a late lottery pick in a solid 2025 draft for a player who has no room to get PT where he is now.

Only one thing - Turner is a UFR this off-season. Indiana will either need to take a C in the draft or in FA or both. Many have them taking Danny Wolf. I guess a Wolf/Bryant (assuming Bryant resigns) duo wouldn't be terrible... just don't know.

Ya if RWIII wasnt made of balsa wood I could see IND being really interested in him should the relationship w/ Turner break down.

[Walton1one]

This could be a situation to monitor for POR

Read on Twitter

25/26
Salary Cap: $154,647,000
Luxury Tax: $187,897,000
1st Apron: $195, 946,000
2nd Apron: $207,825,000

IND has approximately $165mil tied up in 10 players

They have the 22nd pick this year (cap of $2.6mil)

They made an RFA decision on Isaiah Jackson ($13.3 cap hold), they did not offer him a qualifying offer, which would allowed them to match an offer for him, so I imagine he walks (or is insurance in case they lose Turner)

Myles Turner, Thomas Bryant, Tony Bradley & James Johnson are all UFA

Turner is seeking a contract worth $30mil+

There are two hurdles with a Turner deal. First, it’s unclear how available he truly is. Given his impending free agency, there is a sense around the league Turner is sneakily gettable and can be had for the right price. He’s going to be seeking a contract starting in the $30-plus million range annually, and the Pacers aren’t sure if they want to pay him that much, according to league sources.

Now, with Haliburton and Siakam on max contracts and forward Obi Toppin and guards Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell having also signed long-term contracts/extensions this summer, the budget is much tighter. They have over $170 million in salary allocations this year according to the sports business site Spotrac.com, which puts them well over the salary cap and just under the luxury tax. If the Pacers have to pay Turner somewhere in the $25 million-to-$30 million per year range with Siakam and Haliburton both making over $40 million per year they'll likely find themselves in the tax.

They also have Mathurin as an RFA in 26/27, Walker & Sheppard in 27/28 + Nesmith will be UFA that year (age 28)

A $30mil contract puts them over the luxury tax by $8/9mil,($10/11mil if they keep their draft pick, and they would still need to sign at minimum one additional player to meet the roster minimum

So what players could they look to potentially offload?

Mathurin could make sense, 23 next year, making $9.2mil, RFA in 26/27

Nesmith, 26 next year, could be another, makes $11/$11, UFA in 27/28, but that contract is not a bad one

Nembhard, age 26, could be a guy, starting a new contract @ $18/$19.6/$21, UFA in 28/29

Toppin, age 27, is another guy, makes $14/$15/$16, UFA in 28/29, again not a terrible contract

Jarace Walker, age 22 next year, is often talked about, he makes $6.7mil. He doesn't seem to make sense though, considering Bryant\Bradley could both be let go and his contract is fairly inexpensive

I show POR @ $171 mil or so, $176 w\ #8/#9 pick and decisions on Walker\RFA & Banton\UFA

They have some flexibility with Reath\NG contract ($2.2) & Rupert\club option ($2.2), both are included in that total, but could be subtracted to get them to $167 or so. That is approximately $20\21mil under the tax, more than enough to absorb one of those IND players and keep 1 or 2 of reath\Rupert (more likely) or Walker\Banton (if the price is right). Surrendering their #8 pick of course and maybe a future 1st or multiple 2nd's depending on the player coming back (one 1st should be enough I think) or maybe a swap of #8 for #22 + future whatever

Is Nembhard\Nesmith\Toppin, maybe Mathurin? worth that exchange?

[tester551]

This could be a situation to monitor for POR

Read on Twitter

25/26
Salary Cap: $154,647,000
Luxury Tax: $187,897,000
1st Apron: $195, 946,000
2nd Apron: $207,825,000

IND has approximately $165mil tied up in 10 players

They have the 22nd pick this year (cap of $2.6mil)

They made an RFA decision on Isaiah Jackson ($13.3 cap hold), they did not offer him a qualifying offer, which would allowed them to match an offer for him, so I imagine he walks (or is insurance in case they lose Turner)

Myles Turner, Thomas Bryant, Tony Bradley & James Johnson are all UFA

Turner is seeking a contract worth $30mil+

There are two hurdles with a Turner deal. First, it’s unclear how available he truly is. Given his impending free agency, there is a sense around the league Turner is sneakily gettable and can be had for the right price. He’s going to be seeking a contract starting in the $30-plus million range annually, and the Pacers aren’t sure if they want to pay him that much, according to league sources.

Now, with Haliburton and Siakam on max contracts and forward Obi Toppin and guards Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell having also signed long-term contracts/extensions this summer, the budget is much tighter. They have over $170 million in salary allocations this year according to the sports business site Spotrac.com, which puts them well over the salary cap and just under the luxury tax. If the Pacers have to pay Turner somewhere in the $25 million-to-$30 million per year range with Siakam and Haliburton both making over $40 million per year they'll likely find themselves in the tax.

They also have Mathurin as an RFA in 26/27, Walker & Sheppard in 27/28 + Nesmith will be UFA that year (age 28)

A $30mil contract puts them over the luxury tax by $8/9mil,($10/11mil if they keep their draft pick, and they would still need to sign at minimum one additional player to meet the roster minimum

So what players could they look to potentially offload?

Mathurin could make sense, 23 next year, making $9.2mil, RFA in 26/27

Nesmith, 26 next year, could be another, makes $11/$11, UFA in 27/28, but that contract is not a bad one

Nembhard, age 26, could be a guy, starting a new contract @ $18/$19.6/$21, UFA in 28/29

Toppin, age 27, is another guy, makes $14/$15/$16, UFA in 28/29, again not a terrible contract

Jarace Walker, age 22 next year, is often talked about, he makes $6.7mil. He doesn't seem to make sense though, considering Bryant\Bradley could both be let go and his contract is fairly inexpensive

I show POR @ $171 mil or so, $176 w\ #8/#9 pick and decisions on Walker\RFA & Banton\UFA

They have some flexibility with Reath\NG contract ($2.2) & Rupert\club option ($2.2), both are included in that total, but could be subtracted to get them to $167 or so. That is approximately $20\21mil under the tax, more than enough to absorb one of those IND players and keep 1 or 2 of reath\Rupert (more likely) or Walker\Banton (if the price is right). Surrendering their #8 pick of course and maybe a future 1st or multiple 2nd's depending on the player coming back (one 1st should be enough I think) or maybe a swap of #8 for #22 + future whatever

Is Nembhard\Nesmith\Toppin, maybe Mathurin? worth that exchange?

I like Isaiah Jackson, but he's like RWIII and very injury prone.

My guess is Toppin is the one traded. Probably to a team like Chicago who have a bit of cap room.

[dckingsfan]

I just wonder when he would play for Walker is stuck behind Myles Turner and Pascal Siakum, who are signed long term with the Pacers.

He's still a big bodied, 6-7 235 lb player, unlike Deni or Camara. That big bodied player might be what Portland needs while the Pacers pickup a late lottery pick in a solid 2025 draft for a player who has no room to get PT where he is now.

Only one thing - Turner is a UFR this off-season. Indiana will either need to take a C in the draft or in FA or both. Many have them taking Danny Wolf. I guess a Wolf/Bryant (assuming Bryant resigns) duo wouldn't be terrible... just don't know.

Ya if RWIII wasnt made of balsa wood I could see IND being really interested in him should the relationship w/ Turner break down.

Agreed. I think IND isn't going to give Turner what he wants. And given the cap situation out there - he won't get near the money he wants.

Honestly, Indiana could just return Bryant, grab an UFA C, grab a C in the draft and be done with it. Cap situation resolved.

From our side, they might actually want Reath but he is cheap insurance and I don't think they have anything the Blazers need that they would part with.

[zzaj]

Looking ahead at the schedule...two MUST lose games stand out to me: San Antonio, and Chicago.

Play: Mcgowens, Rupert, Murray, Minaya, Walker, big minutes. Help along their careers and call it a season, please.

Scoot, Sharpe, Camara, Deni, Clingan aren't going to show us anything of projectable value to really carry forward in sub-10 games remaining.

EDIT: just saw that the Griz head coach got fired. I have no-doubt that Cronin will try and retain Billups. Let's hope Billup declines.

[Walton1one]

ESPN - NBA FREE AGENCY INTEL

...the Timberwolves -- despite having no salary cap space -- will be one of the more intriguing storylines to monitor this summer. That's because the Timberwolves potentially have three of the best unrestricted free agents: guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, center Naz Reid and forward Julius Randle.

Alexander-Walker, who has been on one of the best bargain contracts in the NBA the past couple of seasons, will definitely hit the open market, while both Reid and Randle have player options to manage. All three will create some interesting decisions for Minnesota, and for different reasons.

There are some combinations where they could fit Alexander-Walker, Reid and Randle back in below the projected $207 million second apron, but there's no clarity on how deep whoever owns the team is willing to go. Over the past 21 years, the Wolves have paid a total of $1.5 million in luxury tax. This season the owners are paying $93 million! (As you can imagine, that means the team is expected to finish heavily in the red. The Wolves, by the way, are currently in the play-in tournament zone.)

Alexander-Walker has shot at least 39% each of the past two seasons for the Timberwolves while providing quality defense, which is why multiple scouts and executives think he could command a contract for the full midlevel this summer (roughly four years and $60 million), be it from Minnesota or elsewhere.

The general belief from sources around the league on both Reid and Randle is that they'll be back in Minnesota next season, though what form that takes is unclear. Both could potentially opt into their contracts and extend (Reid has a $15 million player option, while Randle's is $29 million) or opt out and sign new deals.

NAW is going to be sought after on the FA market, making a trade to POR unlikely, only way would be via S&T after the draft...MIN prioritizing Randle\Reid makes sense and they have other players (full year of DiVencenzo, Shannon, Dillingham) to try and fill the hole left by NAW. They do not have a 1st round pick

...both Milwaukee and Indiana find themselves in cash crunches that will complicate the Lopez and Turner situations...For the Bucks, if Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and Kevin Porter Jr. all opt into their player options for next season, Milwaukee will have over $155 million committed to six players -- putting the Bucks just $32 million below the luxury tax with the rest of the roster to fill out. That doesn't leave a lot of room to retain Lopez if the team hopes to stay under the tax. Indiana finds itself in a similar situation with Turner.

Team sources told me the Pacers absolutely want to keep Turner...But Indiana has to manage a cash crunch. They are currently projected to be about $22 million below next season's luxury tax without Turner, and he'll probably be looking for a significant raise on his current $19.9 million salary. The Pacers haven't paid the luxury tax since 2005, and there are no plans to go into it next season, sources said. Keeping Turner is going to require some negotiating and some maneuvering.

On the flip side of the negotiations...is the depressed center market around the league. There are only a couple of teams with significant cap space this summer, and none of them is going to be targeting a big-money, veteran center...their only real leverage in negotiations could be to take the full midlevel with another team. But that would be a pay cut for both players. As a result, how hard of a bargain will Indiana and Milwaukee drive for their big men? As the salary structure around the league gets more restrictive as the new collective bargaining agreement fully comes online, these are the types of negotiations that could be a lot thornier than they have been in the past.

Would a player take a midlevel 1yr deal with another team and go after big money next year? In 26/27 per Spotrac, there could potentially be 20 teams with potentially $30mil+ in cap space

"There's only one team that has a lot of cap space [Brooklyn] and they may want to do a slower rebuild and aren't looking to spend it all now," one veteran agent said. "I've never seen a free agency where only one team has real cap space in my career. These free agents are f---ed."

The Nets are expected to have between $45 million and $60 million in space. They could have more if they let some players go, but they may not want more..."They've sent the message that if they do anything major with their space, it's likely going to be through trade, not signings," a rival executive said. "Even if that trade doesn't happen this summer, they'll want to keep their options open."

Do you want to see POR send Ayton or Simons off to BRK with draft compensation (I doubt 25' 1st, they already have 4) for Cam Johnson? Doesn't appear to be overly appealing to me...

Without the fear of a team like Brooklyn putting down a large offer sheet, restricted free agents such as Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors and Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies have limited leverage. That also includes current Nets star Cam Thomas.

"Actually it's no leverage," a prominent agent said. "I've prepared my clients for a free agent recession this summer. Next year will be different, the cap will be going up and teams will clean up their books as they deal with the new spending rules. So you may have to wait and try again."[/quote]

Could see a lot of 1 or 2 year deals...

Kuminga is the most compelling...but Warriors owner Joe Lacob has been a long and well-documented supporter of the 22-year-old versatile wing...Golden State owes Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green a combined $139.6 million, and it's unclear whether Kuminga is a clean fit in a starting five alongside Butler and Green, with all three forwards below average from the perimeter. That could make it complicated to give him the kind of big-money offer he'll certainly be looking for in free agency after both sides failed to come to an agreement on an extension before the season.

Giddey's will be an interesting scenario to watch...What's hurting Giddey, other than the lack of available cap space, is that the Bulls signed restricted free agent Patrick Williams to a five-year, $90 million contract last summer and he responded by having the worst year of his career. The Bulls didn't play hardball with Williams, who agreed to the deal on the first day of free agency, and Giddey might have to cope with that fallout.

Interesting scenario, what if CHI sent Williams\Vucevic (to make salaries match) to POR and took on an expiring back like Ayton?

Williams, age 24 next year, is owed $18/$18/$18/$18(PO) becomes FA in 29/30

The question is who owes whom draft capital in this scenario?

CHI does have POR 1st rights thru 28'. Williams is young, but the performance & contract are not great. Vucevic is owed $21mil next year, but then a FA

Both CHI and POR have their 25' 1st's, pretty close, POR is @ #9 right now, CHI @ #11.

CHI also has a 25' 2nd (#46)

Both teams will be under the luxury tax....

CHI is at $140 or so with their 25' pick and have Giddey to sign, so $47 under? If they offload Williams, it could give them additional money to sign White next year and more money to go FA shopping?

Next season if they traded Williams away for expiring, they could have only (3) players ( 25' pick, Buzelis & Jevon Carter) under contract + cap hold ($24.5) for White. That is $45mil in contracts with a salary cap projected at $170 million, wow.

POR could be anywhere from $10-13 under the tax

Given that, sending POR pick back + Williams\Vucevic for Ayton would not be a bad deal IMO, maybe POR sends them back a young bench player or maybe on draft day if POR is a few spots higher they swap picks? Could be something to watch. BTW, not a fan of Williams at all...

[Walton1one]

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After the Dame fiasco, that really would be something....

[Case2012]

I don't see the point of doing anything with Chicago unless it's to get our pick back so we can use multiple firsts to make a trade for a star. The fact we didn't use the Murray pick to do that still boggles my mind.

Williams doesn't start over Deni or Camara, so 18 million a year for a back up doesn't make sense. Vuc is still good enough to be a starter and would probably make it an issue if he didn't start and Clingan is the guy we invested the 7th pick in so that's who we should be starting. So i'm kind of struggling to see the point unless we're getting our pick back.