The Portland Trail Blazers recently reached a four-year, $90 million extension with up-and-coming guard Shaedon Sharpe. In the end, Joe Cronin and Portland's front office decided to bet on Sharpe's upside, investing in him with a long-term deal.
Because of that star potential, this deal seems like a great value for the Blazers. It's also perfect timing. Portland got ahead of Sharpe's looming breakout season and proactively avoided a messy situation that typically comes along with restricted free agency.
That said, this extension decision certainly doesn't come without risks attached. On the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic mentioned that there is both upside and downside for Portland.