The Portland Trail Blazers are 12-23 after losing to the Detroit Pistons 118-115. They look to right the ship as they continue their road trip against the 7-29 New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Portland had a rough December, finishing 3-9, including a six-game losing streak. But their play has improved, winning three of their last six. Their recent on-court play has been promising, but some off-court developments are also encouraging heading into 2025.
Dalano Banton’s contract guaranteed for the remainder of the season
Dalano Banton was the only partially guaranteed player on the Blazers' roster. As expected, his $2.2 million contract will become fully guaranteed for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, per Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report.
Blazers only have one partially guaranteed player, Dalano Banton. Goes without saying he won't be waived and will have his salary fully guaranteed.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) January 7, 2025
All NBA contracts become fully guaranteed on Jan. 10. Still, teams had to decide who they were keeping on their roster by Jan. 7. The tougher decision will be in the offseason, with Banton set to be an unrestricted free agent. He's been a key contributor off the bench for the Blazers, boosting his value around the league.
Highkin also notes that the Blazers decided to keep all three of their two-way players -- Bryce McGowens, Justin Minaya, and Taze Moore - - who are guaranteed now but don't affect Portland's cap.
Anfernee Simons won't request out of Portland
It's well-known by now that Anfernee Simons wants to win. The Blazers have improved this season compared to last, with their young core gaining more experience and bringing Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan into the mix. But they are likely a few years away from contending for the playoffs, especially in the loaded Western Conference.
That has undoubtedly taken a toll on Simons, who is in his seventh season and entering his prime at 25 years old. Despite this, Simons reportedly won't request a trade out of Portland, according to Jason Quick of The Athletic.
"Although Simons is frustrated with the direction of the franchise, he said he doesn't feel like he has the cachet or urgency to demand a trade," wrote Quick.
Simons is a trade candidate and could still be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. But if that does happen, it won't be by request.
Two-minute report from Bucks game shows missed call in Blazers' favor
The Blazers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102 on Saturday, Jan. 4. Simons had a clutch play with 23.5 seconds remaining, getting an and-one on Bobby Portis to put the Blazers up by one.
However, the NBA's last two-minute report revealed that this foul call on Portis was incorrect, noting "Portis (MIL) jumps along Simons' (POR) path and makes marginal body contact while defending the shot attempt at the rim."
Had Simons not been fouled, it would have been a tie game. The Bucks likely would have taken the last shot, with the outcome either being a Milwaukee win or overtime.