The clock is ticking for the Portland Trail Blazers and their young star, Shaedon Sharpe! With the exhibition season wrapped up, the team faces a crucial deadline: will they secure a contract extension with Sharpe, or will he become a restricted free agent next summer? Let's dive into the details.
This article, originally published on October 17, 2025, by Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive, explores the negotiations. The Blazers have until Monday at 3 p.m. to reach an agreement with Sharpe. If they fail, the shooting guard, drafted as the No. 7 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, will be eligible to test the free agency market.
What are the odds of a deal? What factors are at play? And what does Sharpe himself think?
The Deadline Dilemma
As mentioned, the deadline looms on Monday at 3 p.m. If a deal isn't struck, Sharpe's future with the Blazers becomes uncertain. He would become a restricted free agent, meaning the Blazers could match any offer he receives from other teams to retain him. This situation is similar to the one involving Nicolas Batum in July 2012, which many Blazers fans will remember.
Extension Trends
It's becoming less common for players to sign extensions before the final year of their rookie deals. Why? Because it's often difficult for teams and players to agree on terms. Teams want deals that protect their long-term financial flexibility, while players aim to maximize their earning potential. However, there have been some notable exceptions within Sharpe's draft class. For instance, Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets signed a 5-year, $122-million extension, and Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat agreed to a 4-year, $62-million deal. Recently, Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings secured a significant 5-year, $140 million extension.
And this is the part most people miss... The timing of Murray's deal might have influenced the Blazers and Sharpe's negotiations.
Valuing Sharpe
Determining Sharpe's worth is a complex task. On one hand, he's a highlight reel player who had a solid exhibition season, drawing praise for his defensive improvements. Last season, the 6-foot-5, 208-pound shooting guard averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, showcasing his immense potential. He's also only 22 years old.
But here's where it gets controversial... Sharpe can be inconsistent with his three-point shooting, and his defense last season had its ups and downs. The Blazers also have other players, like Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, who will be seeking extensions soon, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
It's believed the Blazers are considering an annual salary for Sharpe between $21-23 million, slightly less than Smith's deal. Sharpe's representative, Rich Paul, likely used Murray's contract as a reference point.
Sharpe's Perspective
Sharpe is known for his understated approach. When asked about the extension talks, he didn't offer much detail, preferring to focus on his game. He stated, "At the end of the day, I’m going to come here and play basketball...I’m not really worried about the money. The money will come. At the end of the day, it’s basketball." This response, however, seems to have been met with a bit of irritation when he was reminded that people get paid for their jobs.
What are the Chances?
Initially, the odds of a deal seemed low, around 25%. By Thursday, they appeared even less likely. Both sides are open to a deal, but the sticking point is the price. Negotiations often intensify in the final hours. It's uncertain whether the Blazers and Sharpe will reach an agreement by the deadline. If they don't, Sharpe will be betting on himself, hoping to realize his full potential in his fourth season.
What do you think? Will the Blazers and Sharpe come to an agreement? Do you think Sharpe is worth the potential asking price? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
