PORTLAND, Ore. — The Trail Blazers are expected to delay any roster changes until after the All-Star break, according to the Oregonian. Two-way players Sidy Cissoko (49 appearances) and Caleb Love (44) are approaching the 50-game ceiling that requires conversion to standard NBA contracts. Portland already carries the league-maximum 15 guaranteed deals, meaning at least one spot would have to open before either guard can remain eligible.
League sources told the newspaper that Rayan Rupert and Matisse Thybulle are the most vulnerable if the club promotes Cissoko or Love. Team officials are also monitoring the waiver wire for a potential veteran addition, the report said.
Lillard slots into 3-Point Contest
While rehabbing the torn right Achilles tendon he suffered with Milwaukee in last season’s playoffs, Damian Lillard joked with NBA marketing executive Michael Levine about joining the All-Star Weekend three-point shootout. When a participant withdrew, the six-time All-Star was invited to fill the vacancy.
“All-Star Weekend needs stars,” Lillard told The Athletic. “I’ve just been working out, not playing, so I need some type of competition.”
Legislature considers Moda Center funding
State lawmakers introduced a bill Monday that would direct public money toward renovating the Moda Center, the franchise’s 29-year-old arena. The measure heads to the Oregon Senate Committee on Rules for an initial hearing Wednesday morning and has backing from Gov. Tina Kotek along with other local officials.
Columnist Bill Oram of the Oregonian noted that upgraded facilities and an eventual change in ownership may not guarantee the club’s long-term future in Portland, pointing to questions about the NBA’s view of the market and the city’s willingness to invest in major-league sports.
The Trail Blazers resume play after the Feb. 14-18 All-Star break, giving the front office a narrow window to finalize any moves involving Cissoko, Love or potential free agents.
Source: Hoops Rumors
