Steve Blake signed a two-year contract with the Trail Blazers last summer, the second year a player option.
Jabari Young of CSN Northwest:As of now, Blake said he plans to exercise that option and hoping to play another “year or two” after that.
“I want a championship really bad,” Blake said, “and I’m hoping we can get to that level. I only have a few years left to try and get it.”
Blake – who turns 35 tomorrow – is slated to make $2,170,465 next season. It’s hard to see him drawing more than a minimum salary ($1,499,187) if he opts out – especially if he wants to play for a contender.
And that’s what Portland is.
The Trail Blazers are one of several teams with a chance to win a championship this season. That’s in small part due to Blake, who provides reliable minutes behind Damian Lillard.
Portland values continuity, and if Blake returns next season, that’s a step in the right direction. Of course, the big fish is re-signing LaMarcus Aldridge. But if the Trail Blazers stay together, there’s no good reason to believe their championship window won’t remain open beyond this season.
