The Portland Trail Blazers have three veteran players under contract through 2026, all currently in their 20s. Would it make sense for the team to consider reinvesting in any of those players with potential extensions before they become unrestricted free agents?
Let’s unpack each piece.
The starting guard from the 2023-24 season will be moved to Portland’s starting point guard role this season. Simons will be just 27 when he becomes a free agent and has already proven himself to be a top-tier scorer.
Ayton was surprisingly selected with the first pick in a deep 2018 NBA Draft, ahead of Luka Doncic, five-time All-NBA Dallas Mavericks point guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander, three-time All-Star Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young and 2023 Memphis Grizzlies Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr.
He’s not as good as those players, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have value as a potentially above-average starting center in the league. He wasn’t as good last year and struggled in some postseason games, but he was still a top-tier starter on a team that also reached the NBA Finals in 2021. Ayton will be 28 when he next hits free agency — unless he’s extended before then.
Williams, named an All-Defensive Second Teamer in 2022 while with the Boston Celtics, has rarely been healthy enough to contribute meaningfully in recent seasons.
This story will be updated…
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