Brandon: It’s fair to say that for players who are 22 years old, trying to figure out how much might they be worth in the future is difficult because you’re trying to price in improvement. And you also are looking at the ecosystem in which they’re playing, what has he been asked to do, what are the pieces around him, are the pieces around him those that allow him to be his best self, how is the coaching, all of this stuff matters when trying to evaluate, especially younger players… when you’re extending for between 15% and 21% of the cap, a lot of this is based on potential… nobody on that list got the equivalent of less than $23M a year in today’s cap environment… who do you think on this list is Shaedon Sharp and his representation saying “he’s going to be like this guy?”
Conor: Two of the names that jump out are Trey Murphy because he was averaging 14 points the season he got the extension. The very next season he was averaging 21. They are different sorts of players of course, Trey Murphy’s more of a 3 and D specialist. But just the boost in offense. They also are at a very similar age. Mikal Bridges is another name. Very much a scorer, mid-range shooter.
Brandon: I’m just going to put it out there. Here’s my guess. I think it’s five [years] for $140M. I think that’s what it’s going to be. And I think the Blazers would be smart to do that. So, you can clip this later in 2027 when Shaedon Sharp is out of the league and be like, “Look at that guy.” Or hey, clip it when he’s a two-time all-star!
