Trail Blazers Offseason Primer: There’s Finally Direction In Portland, And It’s Not Bad

The Portland Trail Blazers weren’t great in 2024-25 — but they were a heck of a lot better than the year before.

After going 21-61 last season, the Blazers finished 36-46 this time around, showing clear signs of progress and potential. It wasn’t consistent, and it didn’t lead to a playoff spot. But there’s real hope in Portland for the first time since Damian Lillard left town.

Now, GM Joe Cronin and the front office enter a defining summer: How much of this youth movement do they commit to, and what happens with veterans like Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton?

Young Core Taking Shape

Portland has a projected lottery pick (currently slotted at No. 9 or 10) and could add another high-upside rookie to a roster already stacked with recent draft hits.

Scoot Henderson looked more comfortable as the year wore on, especially after the All-Star break. Shaedon Sharpe, when healthy, flashed 20-point-per-game potential. Deni Avdija became a stabilizing two-way presence. And rookie big man Donovan Clingan emerged as a defensive anchor.

There was even a surprise surge midseason — from Jan. 19 to Feb. 6, the Blazers went 10-1 and ranked first in the NBA in defensive efficiency. For a team that was 28th on that end before the run, that stretch felt like a turning point.

“I love what we have,” Cronin said. “I love how we’re developing. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Coach Chauncey Billups was rewarded for that development with a multiyear contract extension.

Veteran Clarity Needed

Simons has led the team in scoring two straight years. Ayton quietly had a solid season. Robert Williams III is still rehabbing but remains intriguing if he can ever get/stay healthy. Matisse Thybulle played the fewest games of his career, and has a player option for next season.

All four are in the final year of their contracts, and all four are extension-eligible.

If Portland chooses not to extend them, the franchise could have around $70 million in cap space next summer. In other words, Cronin has real flexibility. Whether he leans into it, or locks in the current core, is one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.

Cap Situation + Free Agency

Portland is over the salary cap but sits $11 million below the tax line and $17 million under the first apron. They can use the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, biannual, veteran minimum, and second-round exceptions.

Key decisions:

• Thybulle has until June 24 to opt into his $11.5 million.
• Rayan Rupert’s $2.2 million becomes guaranteed on July 1.
• Duop Reath’s $2.2 million locks in on Aug. 1.

Free agents include Dalano Banton, Rupert (team option), Thybulle (player option), and Jabari Walker, Justin Minaya, and Bryce McGowens (all restricted).

Extension Candidates to Watch

• Shaedon Sharpe: Despite missing much of the year, averaged 18.5 points and remains one of the most dynamic young wings in the league. Rookie extension eligible.
• Toumani Camara: Gritty two-way wing who ranked in the 80th percentile in combined steals/blocks among all wings. The team was +36.1 per 100 possessions when he shared the floor with Simons, Avdija, and Clingan. Eligible for a four-year, $89.2M extension starting July 20 — but Portland may wait.
• Others eligible: Simons, Ayton, Williams, Thybulle, Rupert, and Walker.

Draft Pick + Future Assets

• 2024 pick: No. 9 or 10 (odds of No. 1 overall = 4.5%).
• Blazers still owe a top-14 protected first to the Bulls, protections run through 2028.
• Future flexibility: 4 first-rounders and 5 second-rounders available to trade.
• 2029: Owns best/worst of Boston and Milwaukee’s pick.
• 2028 & 2030: Right to swap with Milwaukee (conditional).

Top Offseason Priorities

1. Decide what to do with Simons, Ayton, Thybulle, and Williams — extend, trade, or let them play it out?
2. Add a veteran guard who can mentor Scoot.
3. Improve perimeter shooting (Portland ranked 25th in 3-point percentage).
4. Maximize value from the upcoming draft pick.

Bottom Line

There’s finally a direction in Portland. Now it’s about sticking to it — and deciding how long the vets stick around for the ride.