Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal

The Portland Trail Blazers intend on competing in 2022-23. They made that clear by trading a first-round pick for Jerami Grant.

Given that consideration, they’re unlikely to find much use for Shaedon Sharpe next season. While his upside is tantalizing, he projects as a raw rookie who’ll need developmental reps before he’s ready to contribute to winning.

In other words, they should be open to cashing him in if the right opportunity strikes. This may be it. Yes, Lillard and Mitchell will be undersized. At the same time, the Blazers may be so equipped to outscore opposing teams that it becomes a moot point.

Realistically, this trade may make the championship a tough sell for the Blazers. It’s fair to wonder whether their size would get exploited as the playoffs wore on.

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At the same time, it should make a postseason run inevitable. Furthermore, it’ll make Portland a tough opponent for whoever has to face them in the process.