The Portland Trail Blazers just sent one loud message to the league — the rebuild is over.
After a busy offseason focused on youth, development, and identity, Portland officially locked in their young core for years to come.
According to ESPN, Shaedon Sharpe has agreed to a four-year, $90 million extension, while Toumani Camara has signed a four-year, $82 million deal — keeping two of the franchise’s most promising young stars in Rip City through the end of the decade.
And they didn’t stop there.
With Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Scoot Henderson, and Hansen Yang all secured long-term, Portland’s roster is now one of the most complete and intriguing young units in the NBA.
Building from the Ground Up 🧱
Since trading Damian Lillard, the Blazers have been quietly — and effectively — rebuilding the right way.
This isn’t a “tank and hope” kind of rebuild.
This is a “draft, develop, and dominate” rebuild.
They’ve found two-way balance, star potential, and chemistry — something that many rebuilding teams never quite figure out.
- Shaedon Sharpe, the high-flying scorer and 2022 lottery pick, has become the face of the franchise. Averaging over 19 points per game last season, his shot creation and athleticism make him one of the most dangerous young guards in the league.
- Toumani Camara, a second-round pick turned defensive anchor, ranked ninth in the NBA in total steals last season and was one of only seven players with 100 steals and 50 blocks — elite company for a sophomore.
- Scoot Henderson, despite an up-and-down rookie season, remains the team’s cornerstone playmaker and emotional leader.
- Donovan Clingan, Deni Avdija, and Hansen Yang round out a deep and versatile rotation that fits the Blazers’ new vision — fast, tough, and built on defense.
A New Identity for Rip City 🌋
Portland’s extensions aren’t just about money — they’re about message.
For the first time since the Dame era, there’s a clear foundation, and every piece fits:
- Sharpe: The bucket-getter.
- Scoot: The motor.
- Camara: The stopper.
- Clingan: The anchor.
- Avdija and Yang: The glue.
GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups have built a young team that plays hard, defends, and actually wants to be in Portland — a refreshing change in today’s NBA landscape.
And with these deals, the Blazers now have six core players signed through at least 2028, giving them one of the most stable young cores in basketball.
Stats Snapshot 📊
| Player | Contract | Years | Key 2024-25 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaedon Sharpe | $90M | 4 | 19.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 46% FG |
| Toumani Camara | $82M | 4 | 8.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG |
| Scoot Henderson | $34M | 3 | 15.7 PPG, 6.2 APG |
| Deni Avdija | $39M | 3 | 11.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 36% 3PT |
| Donovan Clingan | $24M | 3 | Rookie – Defensive Potential |
| Hansen Yang | $21M | 4 | Rookie – Stretch Big Profile |
The Future of Rip City 💪
The Western Conference is loaded — but the Blazers are quietly positioning themselves to be next.
They have athletic wings, strong defenders, multiple playmakers, and a front office willing to invest in youth.
It’s going to take patience, but Portland’s blueprint looks a lot like Oklahoma City’s from a few years ago — and we’ve seen how that’s worked out.
The best part?
All of this is organic.
No superteam shortcuts. No forced trades. Just pure development and commitment.
Outro:
Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara getting paid is more than just a cap update — it’s the confirmation that Rip City is building something real again.
So yeah, the Blazers might not be title favorites yet.
But make no mistake — the future is bright in Portland.
And this core? They’re coming for the league next. 🔥
