A Shaedon Sharpe extension does not appear to be coming before the October 21st deadline passes. Blazers insider Sean Highkin said, "I have my doubts that they will [reach an extension] before the opening-week deadline," and Zach Lowe and Fred Katz both agreed that an extension isn't likely.
Thus, a crucial season feels even more important for Sharpe and the Blazers. In a year that will consist of figuring out what exactly the Blazers have, Sharpe's development will be the most important story for this franchise over the next eight months.
Heading into next summer with the confidence that Sharpe should be paid $150 million-plus — and perhaps more importantly, that the Blazers will be happy to do it — would let fans sleep much better at night.