After adding swingman Evan Turner and center Festus Ezeli in free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers opted to retain restricted free agent Allen Crabbe, too.
Crabbe confirmed his return to the Blazers on Twitter:
— Allen Crabbe (@allencrabbe) July 10, 2016
The 24-year-old made a big leap in 2015-16, establishing himself as a key role player and averaging 10.3 points off the bench. He nearly doubled his minutes-per-game average from the previous season.
Basketball Insiders' Eric Pincus broke down the details of Crabbe's contract:
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 8, 2016
The spike in the NBA's salary cap encouraged Brooklyn to throw a massive offer sheet at Crabbe in an attempt to pry him away from the Blazers, but Portland shelled out the dough to retain him.
Wojnarowski added context and the overarching rationale behind the Blazers' decision:
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 10, 2016
Given how hefty Crabbe's contract is, it appears as though reigning Most Improved Player C.J. McCollum will be in line for a max payday next offseason as a restricted free agent.
Between Damian Lillard, McCollum and Crabbe, though, Portland has a fine perimeter trio to build around. The team also retained big man Meyers Leonard on Sunday, per Wojnarowski on a four-year, $41 million deal. Leonard is an athletic, huge stretch 4 who should help the Blazers' offense continue to thrive.
Portland also signed Evan Turner in free agency. Although the versatile, veteran wing mitigated the need to keep Crabbe, the Blazers evidently believe enough in him as a long-term asset to the organization. After matching his offer sheet, Portland now has even better depth on the outside.
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