small market, not major FA friendly...has to do things like this to make sure that when they do get a guy, he stays long term. A good reputation goes a long way with players.

Portland's hope for improvement has to be via trades and good draft picks. I mean, Toronto got Siakam with the 27th pick. Giannis and Kawhi were 15th picks. They land the right rookie to add to what they have and it could push them closer to the top even with Dame on that salary.