The Portland Trail Blazers have secured significant contract extensions for two of their promising players. Guard Shaedon Sharpe has signed a four-year extension worth $90 million. Forward Toumani Camara also received a four-year extension valued at $82 million. The agents for both players confirmed these agreements to ESPN on Sunday.
Player Profiles
Shaedon Sharpe
At just 22 years old, Shaedon Sharpe was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He is recognized as an up-and-coming scorer and playmaker. In the previous season, he played 72 games and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Sharpe’s athleticism is notable; he completed over 75% of his shots from within three feet of the basket and recorded 65 dunks. His impressive jump height put him at the top among players with at least 50 dunks in the season. Despite challenges with shooting efficiency from longer distances, he maintained a high volume of attempts, averaging 6.6 three-point shots per game.
Remarkably, Sharpe has already had seven games scoring 30 points or more, the highest for any Trail Blazers player before turning 22.
Toumani Camara
Toumani Camara is recognized as a vital two-way player, having been selected for the NBA All-Defensive second team last season. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 45.8%. His defensive prowess was evident as he drew 91 offensive fouls, marking the second highest in a season since player tracking began in 2013-14.
Camara was originally picked 52nd overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Draft. He joined the Trail Blazers in a three-team trade that also involved Damian Lillard moving to the Milwaukee Bucks. The extension ensures his presence with the franchise through the 2029-30 season.
Significance of the Extensions
With these extensions, the Trail Blazers are committing to both Sharpe and Camara as foundational pieces for the team’s future. Camara’s accomplishments last season included ranking ninth in total steals among all NBA players. Furthermore, he became one of only seven players to achieve at least 100 steals and 50 blocks in a single season. His selection to the All-Defensive team marks a significant milestone, as he is the first Trail Blazer to receive such recognition since Theo Ratliff in the 2003-04 season.
