Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason

As the dust settles on the frenzy of summer transactions, what are some takeaways from the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2018 offseason so far?

The Portland Trail Blazers entered the 2018 NBA offseason licking their wounds from a first round sweep at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans. The team had made some major strides during the 2017-18 regular season, led by All-NBA First Teamer Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, that good will was undone in a matter of four games.

The Blazers needed to answer some major roster questions heading into this summer. Which of their five free agents would they retain, and which would they allow to walk? How would they tackle the 2018 NBA Draft with only a single pick available? What moves did they need to make to become a tougher out in the 2019 postseason?

In the end, the Blazers parted ways with Ed Davis, Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton and retained Jusuf Nurkic, Wade Baldwin IV and Jake Layman. Portland also used the draft to bring in 19-year-olds Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr. (via trade). In free agency, Rip City signed Seth Curry and Nik Stauskas to one-year deals.

With 15 players now under guaranteed contracts, the Blazers may be done dealing for the summer. What are some things we can take away from how the offseason has unfolded for the NBA Summer League champions?