The Portland Trail Blazers didn't extend a qualifying offer to Jabari Walker, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Philadelphia 76ers recently capitalized on this blunder, signing Walker to a two-way deal. It was uncertain whether Portland would keep Walker heading into the offseason, but a strong case can be made that they will regret letting him walk.
Walker is coming off arguably the best season of his career, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds. While those numbers have decreased from his previous season, he also had a diminished role, playing just 12.5 minutes per game.
When Walker was in, he was an impactful role player, providing Portland with underrated energy and rebounding off the bench. He also developed into a reliable floor spacer, impressively increasing his three-point shooting from 29.5 to 38.9 percent.
The Blazers never should've let Jabari Walker go
It would be understandable if Walker were a restricted free agent who signed a substantial deal elsewhere. Or even if the Blazers let him walk because they wanted to clear roster space as part of a larger move as a follow-up to their Jrue Holiday deal. However, Walker signed for the minimum, and Portland has 13 players on its roster, with free agency options continuing to dwindle.
They legally have to add one more player to their roster, whether it's via free agency or a lopsided trade. Instead, they could bring back Dalano Banton, another unrestricted free agent. But to pick Banton over Walker would be a mistake.
The most significant difference between the two is that Walker can impact winning without the ball -- a key aspect of being a role player. At 22 years old, Walker fit in perfectly with the Blazers' young core, especially since their roster already has too many players who thrive with the ball in their hands.
By letting Walker go, Portland needs to further address its lack of forward depth, which could become even more of an issue if they find a way to offload Jerami Grant.
This decision is reminiscent of the Blazers waiving Trendon Watford in 2023, who ironically is also with Philadelphia as the 76ers continue adding pieces from the Blazers' Summer League championship roster. Both young forwards had a productive few seasons in Portland, but the Blazers let both go to clear roster space with no apparent or imminent replacement.
Portland's losses have suddenly become Philadelphia's gain; 76ers fans will soon see why Walker was a fan favorite in Rip City.