2025 Off-Season Strategy - What will Cronin do?

[HoopsFanAZ]

As others above propose ... Sabonis is my want #1. He functions as a multi-skilled, modern center. I do see him beside Clingan for 14 minutes at PF (20 at C) and then 18 at PF as Clingan matures. Between Deni and Toumani, 4 is covered and most of the 3.

Just as unlikely as getting Sabonis, perhaps, would be a trade including Shaedon Sharpe to Atlanta for Dyson Daniels. Double down on D along with some playmaking skills. Atlanta likes some serious athleticism.

Short of these trades, I do enjoy the draft and rookie-scale contracts.

[DusterBuster]

While not exactly Cronin/Blazers centric, it's going to be very interesting to see what happens with the Bucks this summer... That roster sure seems like it's poised for a massive blowup this summer. Giannis has had a lot of smoke around NBA circles of what he will do if they lose in the first round again, and that looks to be on the docket solidly. That Bucks team just cannot match up against the Pacers. They've obviously been injured a lot throughout the Dame/Giannis experiment - particularly in the playoffs - but NBA players, especially stars, don't tend to allow that to be much of an excuse when a team flames out of the playoffs in multiple seasons.

That Bucks roster has zero, and I mean ZERO, flexibility to improve the roster. Their GM has done an absolutely terrible job with that roster in terms of planning for the future. The 2024 draft was the first time in 4 years they had a first round pick, and that pick in 2020 was #30. So there's been absolutely no plans for what to do as the core ages out to move forward on that team, and now that's coming to a head. No one wants anything the Bucks have on their roster outside of Giannis and (probably?) Dame.

They're wildly leveraged on their pick situation now as well, so the only way to recoup that and start building for the future is moving Giannis. If he's gone, Dame will likely want out (especially if the deal is largely rebuilding assets) as well. I think Dame will be more moveable than Beal, he's overpaid and not quite what he was, but Dame still isn't a full on negative on the court yet like Beal is. So they can probably get some salary relief and a lower end FRP from some vet team I would think.

[tester551]

mainly because of guarantees and options. Next season, Camara's deal is non-guaranteed. It becomes fully guaranteed on 7/20/25. Now, my assumption is that in order to get an extension, Camara would have to be under contract. So, I'd further assume that the Blazers would have to guarantee 2025-26 before negotiating an extension

Yes - this is correct. Camara has to play out the '25-'26 season under his current contract.

however, Portland has a team option on the final (4th) year of Camara's contract; deadline is 6/29/26. So, I would wonder if, by mutual agreement, that final year of Camara's current contract is cancelled and his extension would start next July. 2026 instead of July 2027. I'm sure Camara would like to be earning 18M a year more one year earlier

Also correct. The 4th year is declined and the extension starts July 2026.
Andrew Nembhard had almost the exact same situation.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/78137/andrew-nembhard

[Walton1one]

Notes\Rumors from TMZ...err...Bleacher Report. I kid

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25188587-surprise-landing-spots-zion-williamson-kevin-durant-nbas-top-10-trade-targets

Some prognostication on player movement

Zion Williamson

Current home: New Orleans Pelicans
New home: Portland Trail Blazers
2025-26 salary: $39.4 million ($126.5 million through 2027-28)

Coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued season, the Pelicans fired top basketball executive David Griffin. They quickly brought in Joe Dumars to help get them back on track.

The fundamental question that Dumars faces is Zion Williamson's durability. Building a team around a star who plays in about 30 games every other year (three of his five seasons) isn't easy.

With point guard Dejounte Murray on the mend from an Achilles injury that figures to sideline him for part of next season, perhaps now is the time to make a more significant shift.

Williamson's contract is unique for a player of his caliber. His injury issues removed his salary guarantees over the remainder of the deal. A prospective bidder like the Blazers would be banking on landing a franchise player, but the salary flexibility of Williamson's contract helps limit the risk. (Granted, the only way to take advantage of the non-guaranteed money is to waive Williamson.)

Given the level of talent and the fact that NO apparently wants to be rid of the Zion experience, I am not a fan of acquiring him at all. The guy can't stay healthy (nor can Lamelo ball), has weight issues, off court issues and I think acquiring him would just lead to disappointment in the end, and the cost? M<ultiple 1st's, probably a young player (Scoot) or 2? The juice is not worth the squeeze here IMO

" building a team around a star who plays only 30 games/year" This is an interesting statement, b\c theoretically POR could play w\o Zion for a majority of the year, utilizing Deni\Camara (provided neither are traded in this deal) to hold down the fort, but you have to wonder how long that would be tolerable for the players\coach\front office & fans, NO seemingly has reached the intolerable point. This is Zion's 5th year, I think expecting him to suddenly be a reborn\different \healthy player is wishcasting and that never works out well

This trade is built around a BR trade idea:

The Portland Trail Blazers receive: Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins

The New Orleans Pelicans receive: Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons, Duop Reath, a 2025 first-rounder, an $11.8 million trade exception (Williamson) and an $4.7 million trade exception (Hawkins)

Don't think it would be just 1 pick and I don't think POR should be dealing Shaedon Sharpe leaving them with Simons & Scoot at guard? Have we not seen this movie before? A team with Zion AND Simons is just asking to be disappointing.

Also, a team built around an oft injured player and a small backcourt is just a recipe for disaster. Look at how other teams hunt Lillard on defense in the playoffs.

...in the playoffs, where every possession is magnified and weaknesses are ruthlessly exploited, Lillard’s defense (or perhaps lack thereof) could soon become a glaring issue for the Milwaukee Bucks, if it isn't already.

But basketball isn’t played in isolation, and Lillard’s team defense is where the problems arise. His lack of size, inconsistent effort, and occasional mental lapses make him a target for opposing offenses, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ defensive scheme hasn’t done him any favors

.

in the playoffs, teams will hunt Lillard relentlessly, as they have for practically his entire career. That's not by virtue of him being a bad defender; it's just the reality of being a small guard in this association. And that only means that whether it’s through multiple screening actions or off-ball movement, opponents will do everything they can to exploit his defensive weaknesses.

https://behindthebuckpass.com/damian-lillards-demons-haunt-bucks-playoffs#:~:text=Lillard's%20team%20defense%20has%20consistently,defensive%20rating%20for%20the%20season.

Now Lillard is not a good defender, that is well known however, he is much better than Simons & light years better on offense.

Lillard - DRTG 113.3 - ORTG 122.1 - MTD 64th percentile
Simons - DRTG 119 - ORTG 114.9 - MTD 29th percentile
Mixed team Defense (STL-BLK-DREB-Team DEF Eff)

POR fans have not seen it yet b\c this team has not been good enough to even make a play in, but when they eventuilly do, if Simons is on this team, starting\playing heavy minutes, you can bet that other teams will ruthlessly exploit his atrocious defense, as several teams did in games this year. Very hard to win meaningful playoff games\series unless that player is elite on offense, which Simons is not.

[Tim Lehrbach]

mainly because of guarantees and options. Next season, Camara's deal is non-guaranteed. It becomes fully guaranteed on 7/20/25. Now, my assumption is that in order to get an extension, Camara would have to be under contract. So, I'd further assume that the Blazers would have to guarantee 2025-26 before negotiating an extension

Yes - this is correct. Camara has to play out the '25-'26 season under his current contract.

however, Portland has a team option on the final (4th) year of Camara's contract; deadline is 6/29/26. So, I would wonder if, by mutual agreement, that final year of Camara's current contract is cancelled and his extension would start next July. 2026 instead of July 2027. I'm sure Camara would like to be earning 18M a year more one year earlier

Also correct. The 4th year is declined and the extension starts July 2026.
Andrew Nembhard had almost the exact same situation.
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/78137/andrew-nembhard

Yup, this is key to his motivation to extend now: if Camara does not extend, he's playing out that '27 option year for peanuts.

[Tim Lehrbach]

good work TL. I have a 'wait a minute' question about something though. That's the 5% step raises instead of the standard 8% step raises for Bird Rights players. But maybe that's explained in definition because this summer, Camara/Blazers won't have full Bird rights....just Early Bird Rights since this is only his 2nd season. Maybe that's where the 5%-instead-of-8% comes in

You don't need to use an exception like Bird rights to extend a player.

The 8% vs. 5% maximum raise depends on whether you are signing a Rookie Scale Contract extension (8%) or a standard Veteran Contract extension (5%). Camara is on a standard, rather than Rookie Scale, contract, so he can only get 5% raises.

[Walton1one]

Some other notes:

Mark Williams to MIL

Williams is eligible for an extension before the 2025-26 regular season starts. The Bucks could negotiate a deal or make him wait until he becomes a restricted free agent next July. Milwaukee could move the expiring contracts of Bobby Portis ($13.4 million) or Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million) for Williams if either one picks up their respective player options.

Dalton Knecht to ORL

Orlando's most significant weakness is shooting, which is Knecht's greatest strength.
Perhaps acquiring Goga Bitadze or a center via multi-team trade for Knecht would suffice for the Lakers this summer.

I do think there is a good chance both of these players end up being dealt this summer

Daniel Gafford to LAL

While the Lakers may not be able to deliver that directly to Dallas, a multi-team deal could be the answer.

Gafford is in the last year of his contract and is expected to look elsewhere in free agency given the glut of bigs ahead of him in the Mavericks' rotation. His relationship with Dončić is strong, and the Lakers would probably insert Gafford into their starting lineup next season if given the chance.

Yeah, I am sure LAL would like something like this to happen but Nico trading with LAL again after the Doncic fiasco? That would take some guts...

Kevin Durant to HOU

The latter path sounds nice, but it can take years, and multiple NBA sources suggest the Suns aren't about to start rebuilding. Houston could offer several high-value prospects like Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore, along with draft considerations.

Well known rumor by now, but makes sense, especially if HOU bows out in the 1st round. Wonder how much Cronin is paying attention to the HOU\GS series?

A Durant trade is going to happen.

The Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves could all use Durant's scoring and veteran presence. The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks could be sneaky landing spots as well.

Buy or Sell: Sell a coaching change preventing a Durant trade. He's gone.

Lauri Markkanen to PHX

The Jazz would likely want youth and draft picks in exchange for Markkanen, and the Houston Rockets have plenty to offer. B/R recently explored a potential three-team swap where younger players like Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore relocate to Utah, while Markkanen heads to the still-trying-to-win Suns.

Would be a clever move by UTA IMO if they could parlay HOU young players and picks for Markkanen

Markkanen probably should stay with the Jazz unless a big summer offer comes around. Selling low now wouldn't make sense for Utah if Markkanen is indeed content.

Buy or Sell: Sell Markkanen making it past the trade deadline in Utah, buy him staying put this summer unless the Jazz get a huge offer.

RJ Barrett to WAS

With Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Ingram and Barrett all earning at least $25 million next season, Toronto's projected payroll is over the expected luxury-tax line of $187.8 million. Barrett seems the odd man out, and the Raptors reportedly shopped him ahead of the deadline. They might have made the Ingram deal with the idea that Barrett could be moved this summer.

Without giving up any true value, Washington could get a look at Barrett for a few seasons before making any bigger decisions.

The "value" going back to TOR would be Smart and a 26' pick swap. I don't see that being enough. Barrett is definitely a name to monitor over the summer though.

Trae Young to MIA

Perhaps Miami, which recently ousted Atlanta from the play-in, would send younger players, reasonable contracts and draft compensation for Young.

Conflicting rumors around Young, says he wants to stay thru rebuild, eligible soon for a huge payday (4yr\$229). There was also a recent Buy\Sell article on BR talking about this and their conclusion was

Buy or Sell: Sell Young truly being happy in Atlanta despite saying all the right things. The two sides should explore trade opportunities this summer.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25189123-nba-trade-rumors-buy-or-sell-latest-buzz-around-kevin-durant-trae-young-more

Bonus Rumor? Sure seems like Kuminga will definitely be on the move

Kuminga to BRK

The divorce between Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors has been brewing for years now ever since the young forward "lost faith" in head coach Steve Kerr last season. Now currently outside of the Warriors' rotation despite being the team's third-leading scorer, there's no reason Kuminga should want to re-sign in Golden State this summer.

According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Brooklyn Nets have "long loomed as a potential suitor" for Kuminga...No other team could make Kuminga a better offer in free agency, one that the Warriors have the right to match but may be forced not to with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler set to earn $113 million by themselves.

Brooklyn owns four first-round picks in the 2025 draft and should be going hard after Kuminga in free agency. Outside of Cam Thomas (also a restricted free agent) there's not a lot of young talent to build around.

The Nets make the most sense for Kuminga from a developmental and financial aspect.

Buy or Sell: Buy Kuminga to the Nets as a very realistic fit.

A little more information on the possible Zion\NO parting ways

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that there is some "organizational exasperation" surrounding Williamson given his lack of availability, which is completely understandable even given his immense talent.

"...there is skepticism in some corners of the league that the Pelicans will actually persist with Williamson as their franchise centerpiece... especially if they are fortunate enough to come away with the No. 1 pick in the May draft lottery and the right to select Duke's Cooper Flagg," Stein and Fischer wrote.

Now seems like a perfect time to trade Williamson given the front office change and a new high draft pick en route to build around.

Low offers may force the Pelicans to change this plan, although there should still be enough potential surrounding the 24-year-old for both rebuilding and contending teams to have interest.

Buy or Sell: Buy the Pelicans wanting a fresh start and shopping Williamson.

Note, "low offers may change plan", IMO I doubt they trade him on the cheap if they get Flagg or not.

Another BR article, regarding Sabonis possible destinations. POR not mentioned among them.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25189187-nba-trade-landing-spots-domantas-sabonis-suns-grizzlies-pistons-possible-fits

While three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis told reporters, "I love it here" and "want to stay here," he also made clear, "I also do want to know what's going to happen."

That follows previous reporting from The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater that Sabonis was "expected to seek clarity about the organization's plan in the offseason."

This seems more like a situation to monitor, not a expect him to be on the market\dealt soon type of situation

Team #1 - Charlotte - Don't do that to Sabonis SAC

Speaking of which, this roster could be in decent shape even after a Sabonis deal, which might be built around Miles Bridges, Mark Williams and draft picks. That still leaves Brandon Miller as a do-it-all third wheel, the incoming lottery pick as a primary puzzle piece and no shortage of young players capable of growing into solid support roles.

Team #2 - Detroit

The Pistons should have the trade chips to make this happen, too. Any one of Ivey, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart could potentially headline the package, and combining two of the three would lessen Detroit's costs in prospects and/or draft picks.

Team #3 - Memphis

Given Morant's availability concerns, in particular, there's a universe in which Memphis feels comfortable swapping him out to build a Bane-Jackson-Sabonis Big Three, provided the Kings send back sufficient sweeteners.

If Memphis doesn't want to move on from Morant, then a Bane-Zach Edey package almost assuredly piques Sacramento's interest.

Jackson\Sabonis could work well off each other. Ja for Sabonis? That would be something.

Team #4 - Orlando

This isn't a smash-the-piggybank type of pickup for the Magic, but they could get a deal done without emptying the asset collection. Start the offer with Anthony and Carter, sweeten it with a prospect like Tristan da Silva or even Black and throw in a future first or two, and Orlando is probably getting a handshake agreement.

Sabonis, Banchero AND Wagner? Looks great on paper, I am not sure how it actually works on the floor though

Team # 5 - Phoenix

The Suns will want to compete with Booker, who turns 29 in October, so even if they wind up dealing Kevin Durant, they won't seek a mountain of long-term assets in return. Rather, they'll want talent on the same timeline as Booker, and Sabonis—who might need a three- or four-team trade to get to Phoenix—would fit the bill.

Another trade built on the idea of PHX swapping assets returned for Durant into another "win now" player, which seems more probable than likely IMO

[tester551]

You don't need to use an exception like Bird rights to extend a player.

You do if the contract is more than 140% of their prior salary and more than the MLE.

*** Actually - I'll modify that statement a bit. To be eligible for an extension, you have to have 3 years on your current NBA contract. By definition, you have Bird Rights for that player. So - yes, Bird Rights are required.***

[Tim Lehrbach]

You don't need to use an exception like Bird rights to extend a player.

You do if the contract is more than 140% of their prior salary and more than the MLE.

*** Actually - I'll modify that statement a bit. To be eligible for an extension, you have to have 3 years on your current NBA contract. By definition, you have Bird Rights for that player. So - yes, Bird Rights are required.***

I'm surprised by this correction but I believe you. I don't see anywhere in the CBA where it specified that a team must use room or an exception to sign a player to an extension. Just for my edification, can you point it out?

But yes, it is obviously correct that a team will have Bird rights on a player who is extension-eligible, so the point is arguably moot.

[tester551]

You don't need to use an exception like Bird rights to extend a player.

You do if the contract is more than 140% of their prior salary and more than the MLE.

*** Actually - I'll modify that statement a bit. To be eligible for an extension, you have to have 3 years on your current NBA contract. By definition, you have Bird Rights for that player. So - yes, Bird Rights are required.***

I'm surprised by this correction but I believe you. I don't see anywhere in the CBA where it specified that a team must use room or an exception to sign a player to an extension. Just for my edification, can you point it out?

But yes, it is obviously correct that a team will have Bird rights on a player who is extension-eligible, so the point is arguably moot.

There is very little information regarding second round contracts specifically.
Max contract amounts are still capped at 25% of the cap.

https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/when-is-a-player-eligible-for-an-extension/

What Is Needed for a Veteran to Extend?

Only some deals can be extended. A standard contract (non-rookie-scale) can only be extended if it is for at least three years in length. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers cannot extend Lonnie Walker IV (one-year deal) and Austin Reaves (two years).

[Wizenheimer]

https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/when-is-a-player-eligible-for-an-extension/

What Is Needed for a Veteran to Extend?

Only some deals can be extended. A standard contract (non-rookie-scale) can only be extended if it is for at least three years in length. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers cannot extend Lonnie Walker IV (one-year deal) and Austin Reaves (two years).

ok...this is a bit confusing to me....

when it says "A standard contract (non-rookie-scale) can only be extended if it is for at least three years in length"....that's talking about the length of the extension, right? not the existing contract?

players are extension-eligible after 2 seasons of a 3-5 year contract....as far as I know

[Tim Lehrbach]

https://www.sportsbusinessclassroom.com/when-is-a-player-eligible-for-an-extension/

What Is Needed for a Veteran to Extend?

Only some deals can be extended. A standard contract (non-rookie-scale) can only be extended if it is for at least three years in length. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers cannot extend Lonnie Walker IV (one-year deal) and Austin Reaves (two years).

ok...this is a bit confusing to me....

when it says "A standard contract (non-rookie-scale) can only be extended if it is for at least three years in length"....that's talking about the length of the extension, right? not the existing contract?

players are extension-eligible after 2 seasons of a 3-5 year contract....as far as I know

(1) Subject to the rules set forth in Section 7(a)(2) below: (i) a Player Contract covering a term of three (3) or four (4) Seasons (including, for clarity, any Option Year) may be extended no sooner than the second anniversary of the signing (or, as applicable, the Extension) of the Contract; and (ii) a Player Contract covering a term of five (5) or six (6) Seasons (including, for clarity, any Option Year) may be extended no sooner than the third anniversary of the signing (or, as applicable, the Extension) of the Contract. A Player Contract covering a term of one (1) or two (2) Seasons (including,
for clarity, any Option Year) may not be extended.

A player on a three or four year contract becomes eligible after two years.
A player on a five or six year contract becomes eligible after three years.
A player on a one or two year contract cannot be extended.

[zzaj]

All this talk of Sabonis...

IMHO, bringing in a player who only plays 10 feet from the basket and in, seriously limits Deni, Scoot, Sharpe and Clingan. The Blazers need outside shooting and self-creation. Sabonis isn't that.

Also, for those who are wanting the team to quadruple down on defense by prioritizing defensive players over offensive...how many of you remember those defensive DET teams that Chauncey is modeling his system after? Those teams were uggggggly offensively with points totals regularly in the 70s-80s. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE good defense. But is that what you really want as a fan?

That was 20 years ago. Will that style even work against modern NBA teams?

Personally, I would rather have a balance. Assuming the Blazers don't make any drastic changes (a good bet) they likely will have a defense that falls in the 8th-13th range for the whole season next year. They were 13th overall in adjusted DRTG for the whole season this past year. Offensively the Blazers had the 23rd best adjusted ORTG--only 7 teams were worse offensively.

If the Blazers are going to sniff the POs, they will have to maintain their good defense, while becoming at least league average on offense. That is NOT going to happen by quadrupling down on defense first players. At some point you have to be able to put points on the board that aren't generated by good defense.

IMHO, the team the Blazers should have earmarked as a next-step blueprint, given their roster? The MIN conference finals team.

Scoot - Conley
Sharpe - Edwards
Camara - D'lo/Kyle Anderson
Deni - KAT
Clingan - Gobert

Is that a perfect blueprint? Hell no...but if you squint you can start to see how to achieve a good defensive roster with some upgrades offensively.

[Tim Lehrbach]

The Blazers need outside shooting and self-creation.

On this we agree.

In a perfect world, the Blazers find (or develop) one guy who is both that on-ball creator and that deadly shooter, a star lead guard or wing. These are rare.

I'm still trying to accept the probability that Dylan Harper is not coming through that door and move on to realistic directions.

If we're still squinting here, I can see Scoot becoming a capable floor general and a guy who applies pressure with a relentless dribble-drive game. Or, I can see Shaedon improving to the point where his isolation and pick-and-roll threats overwhelm and warp defenses. These would be highly valuable offensive pieces. I'm sure everybody knows by now I am skeptical, but I am still rooting for these outcomes.

Short of that happening, the team desperately needs a credible creator to take any major leap.

[zzaj]

We've probably mined all of the ORL trade ideas...but I do wonder if the Magic would value Simons enough to somehow get their second 2025 1st in a trade back...

Simons
Reath

for

KCP
Goga
#25 (Nique, Yaxel, Walter Clayton Jr)

Blazers could reroute KCP to a contender if they wanted, I suppose. Draft Kasparas at #10 and let Walker, and Banton walk...

Scoot/Jakucionis
Sharpe/(Nique) or Thybulle
Camara/Grant
Deni/Grant or (Yaxel)
Clingan/Goga/(Yaxel)

...IDK, could be interesting enough to get the Blazers a TOP 5 pick next year, lol.

[Tim Lehrbach]

We've probably mined all of the ORL trade ideas...but I do wonder if the Magic would value Simons enough to somehow get their second 2025 1st in a trade back...

Simons
Reath

for

KCP
Goga
#25 (Nique, Yaxel, Walter Clayton Jr)

Blazers could reroute KCP to a contender if they wanted, I suppose. Draft Kasparas at #10 and let Walker, and Banton walk...

Scoot/Jakucionis
Sharpe/(Nique) or Thybulle
Camara/Grant
Deni/Grant or (Yaxel)
Clingan/Goga/(Yaxel)

...IDK, could be interesting enough to get the Blazers a TOP 5 pick next year, lol.

Goga is way more than a throw-in. Orlando quickly declines.

Simons to Orlando remains a popular idea. The Magic need shooting in the worst way. I don't believe they should spend any capital going after Anfernee, however. I think the dirty secret in Orlando is that Banchero and Wagner are not contender worthy top two options. Banchero may yet grow into the role, but I think they (much like Portland) need to be pushing their chips in for a creator. Their defense is elite, and they should not squander their opportunity to rise to a contender over the next few years.

That said, I also understand that Orlando can't just wish a leading man on to their team. The Magic might be willing to cough up something for Simons. I'd take their worst first rounder or even several seconds if and only if the attached salary is expiring or routed elsewhere. I may not believe Simons has much or any trade value, but the Blazers certainly aren't in a position with him where they need to take back a worse contract to move him.

[Tim Lehrbach]

This may not be the right place for this, but I do want to discuss Sharpe more.

I question whether he will be a better fit than Simons for a Blazers team looking to compete next season and desperate for shooting. If the Blazers are smart, they'll reassign Anfernee's creation responsibilities to another guard, be that Scoot, a draftee, or a veteran acquisition. Simons running the show equals ugly offense. Simons as a catch-and-shoot specialist is decent. I'm side-stepping the issue that he cannot guard bigger players for three reasons: (1) solving the Blazers' offensive woes is more important than optimizing an already-improving defense, (2) he is more useful off-ball and Scoot more useful on-ball, and (3) he cannot guard point guards, either, so it's not that damaging to move him permanently to the two. The Blazers lose Shaedon's gravity (which should not be overstated, either) in the starting five but gain shooting with Simons over Sharpe.

I'm not saying Simons is better than Sharpe, much less a better long-term solution than Sharpe. I'm just wondering who is going to help the team more right away for purposes of evaluating Shaedon's place on the roster.

Next, forget Simons altogether and focus on Sharpe's future. As I have stated ad nauseum, I also question whether Shaedon should be extended (because he will only be motivated to accept if it's big money). The team needs to pay Toumani, will probably need to pay Scoot soon, and still has Grant on the books. Yes, that leaves a lot of wiggle room to build the roster, but most of that is eaten up if Shaedon is pulling $35-40 million annually.

I said this earlier, and it did not land, but there's an argument to be made for a 2026 cap space plan, not to sign free agents, but to lock up Deni long-term (and Camara if he does not agree to an extension this summer). To get there, you need to get out of Grant's contract or not keep Sharpe. But why not both? Although I am not a believer in Shaedon, the promise is still obviously there. I tend to think he would draw great interest on the trade market -- enough to move Grant and still return a good player on a reasonable contract?

It may end up looking bad on its own if Shaedon blows up, but if it's the difference between keeping Deni and watching him walk at the end of his contract, it might be worth it. Maybe I overrate Avdija, but I think he is much more important to the team's present and future than Sharpe. I am ready to be criticized for "diluting" Sharpe's value by attaching him to Grant, but here's how I see it: a trade partner would have to move a big contract to bring in Grant anyway. That player is likely to be a rotation player due to contract alone. If Sharpe is in the deal too, that player might very well be a quality rotation player that improves the Blazers without inflating the payroll. That's a win on top of giving the Blazers a potential path to cap space next summer.

I'm kinda looking at you, Walton1one and DusterBuster, because y'all scan the league and the rumor mill more diligently than anybody else. But to anybody, who might we get for that pair that (1) decreases or at least does not increase 2026-2027 payroll and (2) would project as a solid rotation player for the duration of his contract. I think that's a premise the Blazers should explore. If it helps for finding a trade match, Jerami and Shaedon combine for almost exactly $40.4 million next season. Unfortunately, the only players in the appropriate range for salary matching who would fill a need for the Blazers are Trae Young, Tyrese Maxey, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane. Would the team be better for swapping Grant and Sharpe out for one of these guys? Are they all out of reach at that price, regardless? Is there anybody else we should be looking at?

I guess it comes down to this for me: if Shaedon is not essential to the team's success today and represents a huge gamble on an extension, why not see if the team can improve on the court and on the books by shopping him?

[Wizenheimer]

I guess it comes down to this for me: if Shaedon is not essential to the team's success today and represents a huge gamble on an extension, why not see if the team can improve on the court and on the books by shopping him?

I'm a little more pessimistic about Portland's future than you are. But I'm a little more optimistic about Sharpe than you are

that's not to say I'd be opposed to shopping him....I'm ok with shopping any of the Blazer players because I'm unsure they have any essential core players yet. Yeah, Avdija and Camara are prime candidates (Camara more as a glue guy than essential core), but they aren't there yet IMO. Granted, I have a pretty restrictive definition of core, mainly being you need at least one elite player before you can begin to build a core. Blazers don't have that

about Sharrpe: at the end of the season in the games Simons missed, Sharpe averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists (Deni averaged 32-12-6)

which gets to my position: before the Blazers start giving up on players with actual upside, however debatable that upside is, they absolutely need to dump the 3 players who have none: Simons-Ayton-Grant. We need to see the upside players actually operate for a season as primary players, on their own, before dumping youth that hasn't reached potential yet, quite possible because they are buried behind, and deferring to, those vets

if you look at the top-20 three man combos for Portland this season, guess which combo was the worst, by far: give yourself a gold star if you said Ayton-Grant-Simons. In fact, of the 5 worst 3 man combos on the team, all 5 had at least 2 of those vets on them. Simons and Ayton appeared in 3 of 5; Grant in 4 of 5

by the way, out of the 5 BEST 3 man combos, Sharpe is on 3 of them; Avdija 4 of 5, Sharpe and Camara on 3 of 5

[oldfishermen]

I guess it comes down to this for me: if Shaedon is not essential to the team's success today and represents a huge gamble on an extension, why not see if the team can improve on the court and on the books by shopping him?

I'm a little more pessimistic about Portland's future than you are. But I'm a little more optimistic about Sharpe than you are

that's not to say I'd be opposed to shopping him....I'm ok with shopping any of the Blazer players because I'm unsure they have any essential core players yet. Yeah, Avdija and Camara are prime candidates (Camara more as a glue guy than essential core), but they aren't there yet IMO. Granted, I have a pretty restrictive definition of core, mainly being you need at least one elite player before you can begin to build a core. Blazers don't have that

about Sharrpe: at the end of the season in the games Simons missed, Sharpe averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists (Deni averaged 32-12-6)

which gets to my position: before the Blazers start giving up on players with actual upside, however debatable that upside is, they absolutely need to dump the 3 players who have none: Simons-Ayton-Grant. We need to see the upside players actually operate for a season as primary players, on their own, before dumping youth that hasn't reached potential yet, quite possible because they are buried behind, and deferring to, those vets

if you look at the top-20 three man combos for Portland this season, guess which combo was the worst, by far: give yourself a gold star if you said Ayton-Grant-Simons. In fact, of the 5 worst 3 man combos on the team, all 5 had at least 2 of those vets on them. Simons and Ayton appeared in 3 of 5; Grant in 4 of 5

by the way, out of the 5 BEST 3 man combos, Sharpe is on 3 of them; Avdija 4 of 5, Sharpe and Camara on 3 of 5

Agree 110% with Wiz.

For 5 years, I have wanted Simons traded!!!

?, How many Blazers would be starting on a championship contending roster? We can not even agree which gaurds should start on one of the worst teams in the league.

Fix the guard rotation mess by trading Simons. Then see which of the kids are keepers.

Also, stop worrying about future contracts for the kids. Give them a chance to prove their potential, and worth, before they get overpaid.

[Tim Lehrbach]

I guess it comes down to this for me: if Shaedon is not essential to the team's success today and represents a huge gamble on an extension, why not see if the team can improve on the court and on the books by shopping him?

I'm a little more pessimistic about Portland's future than you are. But I'm a little more optimistic about Sharpe than you are

that's not to say I'd be opposed to shopping him....I'm ok with shopping any of the Blazer players because I'm unsure they have any essential core players yet. Yeah, Avdija and Camara are prime candidates (Camara more as a glue guy than essential core), but they aren't there yet IMO. Granted, I have a pretty restrictive definition of core, mainly being you need at least one elite player before you can begin to build a core. Blazers don't have that

about Sharrpe: at the end of the season in the games Simons missed, Sharpe averaged 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists (Deni averaged 32-12-6)

which gets to my position: before the Blazers start giving up on players with actual upside, however debatable that upside is, they absolutely need to dump the 3 players who have none: Simons-Ayton-Grant. We need to see the upside players actually operate for a season as primary players, on their own, before dumping youth that hasn't reached potential yet, quite possible because they are buried behind, and deferring to, those vets

if you look at the top-20 three man combos for Portland this season, guess which combo was the worst, by far: give yourself a gold star if you said Ayton-Grant-Simons. In fact, of the 5 worst 3 man combos on the team, all 5 had at least 2 of those vets on them. Simons and Ayton appeared in 3 of 5; Grant in 4 of 5

by the way, out of the 5 BEST 3 man combos, Sharpe is on 3 of them; Avdija 4 of 5, Sharpe and Camara on 3 of 5

Good info. Is it possible my judgment of Sharpe is hasty? For sure.

I'm pessimistic about the team too, but I am following the front office's lead in turning the page on the tank. I am with you that the Blazers do not have a core. There is a gulf between what I truly think the Blazers should do and the ideas I'm throwing out there accepting management's premises.