The Portland Trail Blazers have officially exercised team options for contract extensions on guard Scoot Henderson, forward Kris Murray, and center Donovan Clingan. This announcement comes just one day before the team’s season opener at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking an important step for the franchise as they finalize their roster.
All three players are former first-round picks, with Henderson now in his third season with the Blazers. Unfortunately, he will miss the start of the season due to a left hamstring tear. Last season, he contributed an average of 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. Murray, also in his third season, had averages of 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game last season, while Clingan, who debuted last season, recorded 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
In addition to these contract extensions, the Blazers recently solidified their team organization by reaching a four-year rookie extension with guard Shaedon Sharpe, valued at $90 million, and an $82 million four-year extension with forward Toumani Camara. Camara has been pivotal to Portland’s defense, boasting averages of 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, alongside outstanding defensive contributions that earned him All-Defensive second team honors last year.
Sharpe made his mark in his previous season with averages of 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, showcasing significant potential for the upcoming season. Head coach Chauncey Billups expressed relief regarding the contract negotiations, stating, “It just alleviates so much stress. There are so many things in an NBA season that provide stress to you… You can really now focus on trying to be the best that you can be, helping the team the best that you can and not have the pressure of worrying about: ‘If I don’t play well, what can happen?’”
For the season opener on Wednesday, Billups confirmed that the starting lineup will feature Sharpe, Camara, Clingan, Jrue Holiday, and Deni Avdija. Fans can catch the action live at the Moda Center, with KATU broadcasting the festivities from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. before switching to KUNP for the game at 7 p.m.
The Blazers’ proactive approach in securing their talented young players signals a hopeful outlook for the season, laying the groundwork for both immediate competitiveness and future success.