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What’s next now the Portland Trail Blazers are eliminated?

By Dave Nelson

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers (facing camera) is mobbed by teammates after hitting the game-winning three point shot against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 30, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Trailblazers defeated the Bulls 123-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 30: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers (facing camera) is mobbed by teammates after hitting the game-winning three point shot against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 30, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Trailblazers defeated the Bulls 123-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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With the Portland Trail Blazers first-round exit in the playoffs, you’re probably wondering what happens next.

Exit Interviews:

Players, coaches, and even management will speak to the media and go over what went right, what went wrong during the season, what the hopes for the offseason will be, their summer plans, and what they would like to happen more so come next season. This likely will take place in the next few days.

The fate of Head Coach Terry Stotts:

Will Head Coach Terry Stotts return for his 10th season as coach? Shams Charania of The Athletic reported last month, “if Stotts can’t ‘pull a rabbit out of his hat’ with a playoff miracle of sorts, as one source put it, the Blazers are expected to opt for a new coaching voice.”

NBA Draft:

Although Portland does not currently have a selection in the first or second round of the July 29 draft, General Manager Neil Olshey could trade for or buy a pick to get a player he felt could help the team.

Free Agency:

Free agency begins on August 2 at 3:00 PT, when teams can begin negotiating with free agents. There will be a moratorium period from August 3-August 6 at 9:01 PT, and teams can begin signing free agents.

Portland’s 2021 free agents are Carmelo Anthony, Keljin Blevins (restricted), Zach Collins (restricted), Harry Giles, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Derrick Jones (player option), Enes Kanter, and Norman Powell (player option).

Las Vegas Summer League

This will be the first chance the Blazers rookie(s), if they were to acquire a draft pick, CJ Elleby likely, and other players, including G-League players trying to earn an invitation to the Blazers training camp, earn a roster spot and showing what they can do, or in some cases maybe belonging in the NBA. Summer League will take place August 8-17

Whatever happens this offseason, their biggest priority should be to resign Powell. Powell is a big piece of this team’s future. Besides bringing back Powell, the future of Stotts and the coaching position should be next. Do you bring him back on the final year of his contract? Or, do you let him go and find a better replacement?

This is a critical offseason for the Portland Trail Blazers.

dark. Next. Portland Trail Blazers: 3 players most unlikely to be on team next season