Tag: Portland Trail Blazers

Lakers rest Luka Dončić on back-to-back; beat Blazers anyway

Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
November 2025

Luka Dončić sat the second night of a back-to-back for left-leg injury management after a 29-11-10 line vs Miami. Los Angeles still beat Portland 123-115 behind Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton combining for 57 points. Austin Reaves also sat with right-groin soreness. JJ Redick leaned on front-court usage, simplified pick-and-roll reads, and controlled tempo to limit Portland runs. Dončić’s early-season output remains historic; the club prioritised medium-term availability over October-November gauntlets, with ramp decisions tied to pain-free workloads and live-ball burst testing.

Blazers’ Thybulle has thumb surgery; re-eval in 4–6 weeks

Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers)
November 2025

Thybulle tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb versus Utah and underwent repair. He’ll be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The two-time All-Defensive wing had just started his seventh NBA season after last year’s injury disruptions. Expect immobilization, edema control, then progressive range and grip work before on-court return. Portland must replace point-of-attack defense with longer minutes for wings, more zone coverage, and event-creation by committee while preserving spacing and turnover pressure. Short runway before conditioning re-build.

Blazers lock in core; name opening-night starters

Portland Trail Blazers
October 2025

Portland exercised options on Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Donovan Clingan and recently extended Shaedon Sharpe ($90m) and Toumani Camara ($82m). Chauncey Billups set a Sharpe–Camara–Clingan–Jrue Holiday–Deni Avdija starting five with Scoot out (hamstring). Extensions reduce contract anxiety and preserve upside with two-way wings plus a rim-protecting five. With Scoot sidelined, Billups leans defence, size, and secondary playmaking, aiming to keep pace while protecting Clingan’s development arc and spacing principles.

Kuminga fined for contact with official

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
October 2025

The league fined Kuminga 35,000 for inappropriate contact and pursuit of a referee before halftime against Portland. The incident drew a technical and ejection with discipline announced by Basketball Operations. Golden State will stress composure as rotations settle.

Lillard Named GM of Weber State Basketball While Rehabbing Injury

Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
August 2025

Damian Lillard has been appointed general manager of Weber State’s basketball program, returning to his alma mater to guide the team while rehabbing from a torn Achilles. Announced at the Weber State Alumni Classic, Lillard will support player development and team operations. The 9-time All-Star recently signed a new 3-year deal with Portland and remains sidelined for 2025–26.

Lillard Set for Emotional Return to Trail Blazers on $42M Deal

Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks > Portland Trail Blazers)
July 2025

Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers, which includes a no-trade clause and a player option for 2027-28. The reunion comes after his short stint with the Bucks.
Lillard became a surprise free agent after being waived by Milwaukee on July 7. Despite a torn Achilles set to sideline him next season, Portland moved quickly to bring back their franchise icon for his 14th NBA year.

Nike’s Phil Knight Rules Out Buying Trail Blazers Amid Sale Process

Portland Trail Blazers
May 2025

Nike co-founder Phil Knight has officially ruled out buying the Portland Trail Blazers, stating age and reduced interest as reasons, despite past efforts. The team is now formally up for sale per the late Paul Allen’s will.
Allen’s estate has engaged Allen & Company and Hogan Lovells to oversee the sale, aiming to fulfill the directive to channel proceeds into philanthropy. NBA and Oregon officials are urging the franchise remain in Portland.

Blazers Hand GM Joe Cronin Multi-Year Extension

Joe Cronin (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with GM Joe Cronin, rewarding him for reshaping the roster through impactful trades and draft success since taking over in 2022.
Cronin has added key players like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Deni Avdija, and drafted Sharpe, Henderson, and Clingan. His strategic moves and cap expertise are seen as the foundation for long-term team success.

Robert Williams III Out 4–6 Weeks After Knee Procedure

Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers
21 March 2025

Williams underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat inflammation in his left knee and will be sidelined for 4–6 weeks.
Injuries have limited him to 26 games since being traded from Boston in October 2023. He averaged 5.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.7 BPG in just 17.6 minutes this season. With Portland on the edge of play-in contention, his season may be over unless the team makes a late postseason push.

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