Take the initiative to speak out, the Trail Blazers sparked heated discussions, 42 million in 3 years, Yang Hansen may become the biggest victim

On August 6, 2025, Trail Blazers reporter Mike Richman and Washington Post reporter Ben Golliver collaborated to host a wonderful and engaging podcast. During the progress of the program, Ben Golliver made a detailed analysis of the complex and in-depth analysis of the Trail Blazers' team building. In the NBA league where competition is in a fierce trend, if a team is eager to gain a steady foothold, then a clear and accurate team building idea is undoubtedly crucial. However, the Trail Blazers management failed to deliver a satisfactory answer in this critical area that was evident in the direction of the team's fate.

Looking at the team's offseason operations, buying out Ayton, sending away Anthony Simmons and choosing Yang Hansen have all won wide praise from the outside world. As the No. 1 pick in 2018, Ayton has carried many expectations to enter the field. However, his performance in the team has never been consistent with expectations; for the team, buying out Ayton is actually to revitalize the salary space and reserve more room for operation for subsequent signings and development. Although Anfini Simmons has certain scoring ability and occasionally has outstanding performance on the offensive end, his shortcomings in defensive end and team integration hinder the overall development of the team. In addition, his contract is about to expire, from the perspective of long-term planning, he only stops losses in time for trading.

and choosing Yang Hansen is undoubtedly a very forward-looking move for the team. Yang Hansen is like a rising star, showing extremely high basketball talent and unlimited potential. His performance on the field, whether it is his superb skills or excellent consciousness, is eye-catching. In time, he has great hope to grow into the team's future core player and shoulder the banner of team development. I thought the team's senior management would be enlightened and focus on rookie Yang Hansen, but the subsequent operations of the Trail Blazers have made the team's future surrounded by a thick layer of uncertainty.

As Lillard happily accepted a three-year, $42 million contract, he resolutely returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, this should have been a story that continued the legend. However, this contract was like a surging under the calm water, causing a lot of controversy. Although Lillard's arrival is not enough to affect the team's salary space, such a simple decision will make the team's future development direction full of uncertainty. As an iconic figure in the history of the Trail Blazers, Lillard is willing to put down his posture and guide young players to grow, but he can never cover up the problems that exist in the team.

For this reason, all the pressure gathered on the management like a tide. On the one hand, they need to consider the profound influence and unique value Lillard has in the team with a comprehensive and prudent attitude. Lillard has been with the Trail Blazers for many years and has long become a symbol of the team's spirit. His existence not only embodies the emotions of fans, but also has a wide reputation in the league, and his influence penetrates all levels of the team. On the other hand, they have to stand at a strategic height, weigh the team's future development plan, and draw a clear and reasonable blueprint for the team's long-term development. The Trail Blazers are at a critical crossroads. They need to clarify their team building ideas and goals as soon as possible and make correct decisions, otherwise the team's future will be full of ups and downs. In the long run, this signing may not be a wise choice.