Just moments after the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft concluded, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Arizona guard Caleb Love is expected to sign a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Love was the first two-way signing Charania announced, calling Love "one of the most prolific scorers in college basketball."
It's not surprising that the Blazers were the first team to strike in the fast-paced draft aftermath, as they didn't have a selection in the second round. However, Love is such a steal that he should essentially be considered their Day 2 pick.
Blazers land first UDFA win in Arizona's Caleb Love
The Wildcat averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals on 40/34/89 shooting splits this past season. He took his game to another level when the lights were the brightest, including impressive 29 and 35-point performances against Oregon and Duke, respectively, during their Sweet 16 March Madness run.
Portland brought in the former five-star recruit for a workout on May 27. The question we asked then is even more pertinent now: the Blazers could use Caleb Love's shotmaking, but can they rein him in?
Scoring is easily Love's strength, but how does that translate in a lessened role, especially given his inefficiencies? For Portland, it's absolutely worth taking a chance on Love on a two-way deal to find out the answer to these questions.
The Blazers could have a top-ten defense next season with pieces like Toumani Camara, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, Donovan Clingan, and Deni Avdija. But their ceiling is going to be closely tied to how easy scoring comes.
They struggled on offense in 2024-25, ranking 22nd in the league in both points per game (110.9) and offensive rating (111.0). And while going from Anfernee Simons to Jrue Holiday is an overall upgrade, it's going to make scoring even harder to come by. That's where Love comes in as a potential sparkplug off the bench.
The Blazers' shocking reach for Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall pick is going to be discussed for years to come, and rightfully so. But this Love signing is an under-the-radar move that's an ideal addition to their young core.
With the Holiday trade, the Blazers have made it clear that they are fighting for a playoff spot next season. Love is 23 years old and an immediate impact prospect who might just help them get there.