Riley wasn’t willing to give up the farm for Dame because it didn’t make us sure-fire contenders and would cripple our future. Remember, he has to balance winning now with winning in the future too.

So many wanted him to cave and just give Portland whatever just to make a move.

Now we are looking decent with room to improve at the deadline:

  • Lowry’s fat expiring that’ll have the final year half paid by that point
  • Duncan Robinson who’s contract may no longer be seen as a negative
  • An improved Hero who will fetch more now

Riley isn’t perfect but he’s damn good.

  • jcwritBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I don’t think Riley gives a damn about the future. The man wants to win another championship and if he has to give up every pick till 2028 its not going to stop him.

    My best guess is that they figured out pretty early on that Jaquez had a chance to be a really good player and he was taken off the table, along with Bam and Jimmy. The Blazers found a better deal. Whether we like it or not Jrue was worth more than Tyler and Ayton had more appeal than someone like Jovic.