A Shaedon Sharpe extension does not appear to be coming before the October 21st deadline passes. Blazers insider Sean Highkin said, "I have my doubts that they will [reach an extension] before the opening-week deadline," and Zach Lowe and Fred Katz both agreed that an extension isn't likely.
Thus, a crucial season feels even more important for Sharpe and the Blazers. In a year that will consist of figuring out what exactly the Blazers have, Sharpe's development will be the most important story for this franchise over the next eight months.
Heading into next summer with the confidence that Sharpe should be paid $150 million-plus — and perhaps more importantly, that the Blazers will be happy to do it — would let fans sleep much better at night.
How does Sharpe instill that confidence? How does he prove that the team should extend him with no hesitation?
In short, consistency. Sharpe would have periods of greatness that were too often followed by periods of near-disappearance. He would look like an All-Star for a few weeks, then struggle to score 15 points for the next few. He lost his starting spot for 20 games!
However, consistency also comes from those in charge; the decision-makers need to be consistent in what they're asking of Sharpe. When a player knows what is expected of them every night, it's much easier to see what they're capable of. Do they want him to take 20 shots per night and lead the team in scoring? Do they want him to be a supercharged bench scorer and start Deni, Toumani, and Jerami Grant?
Clear expectations would help us all get a better feel for what kind of player Shaedon Sharpe can be.
Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe don't want to enter restricted free agency
This offseason has given me a fear of restricted free agency. If you haven't noticed, the Warriors and Sixers are quickly approaching worst-case scenarios with their RFAs, who will probably sign qualifying offers and then skate town next offseason. Cam Thomas already did that with the Brooklyn Nets.
That would be an awful outcome for Sharpe and the Blazers — and it, unfortunately, feels somewhat realistic. There are no questions about Sharpe's talent, but there are questions about his production and consistency; depending on what happens in 2025-26, would anyone be surprised if Sharpe (fairly) asks for a long-term deal and the Blazers (also somewhat fairly) are scared to give it to a guy who possesses massive talent but hasn't unlocked it all yet?
I would, personally, not be surprised. And avoiding that at all costs seems important.