The former Notre Dame standout and 2022 first-round pick finds a new home in Portland after being waived by Washington, adding guard depth to a young Blazers roster.
Blake Wesley has officially signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the latest chapter in the young guard’s professional basketball journey. The 22-year-old agreed to terms with Portland on July 22, 2025, just days after negotiating a contract buyout with the Washington Wizards.
From Washington to Portland in Record Time
Blake Wesley’s path to Portland began with a brief stint in Washington that lasted barely two weeks. The Wizards acquired Wesley on July 9, 2025, in a trade that sent Kelly Olynyk to the San Antonio Spurs. However, Wesley never suited up for Washington before agreeing to a buyout agreement on July 19.
The buyout allowed Wesley to forfeit approximately $1.38 million of his $4.73 million salary for the 2025-26 season to become a free agent. This financial sacrifice proved worthwhile as he quickly landed with the Trail Blazers on what’s reported to be a fully guaranteed one-year deal.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the signing, noting that Blake Wesley “shot 37% on 3s in the second half of last season and now lands a new role in Portland”. The Trail Blazers officially announced the signing through a press release on Tuesday morning.
Notre Dame Standout’s NBA Journey
Blake Wesley entered the NBA as the 25th overall pick in the 2022 draft after an impressive freshman season at Notre Dame. During his lone college season, Wesley averaged 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while earning All-ACC Second Team honors.
At Notre Dame, Wesley showcased his potential during March Madness, helping the Fighting Irish defeat Alabama in the first round with 18 points that included a crucial 6-0 personal run. His transition steal and breakaway dunk against Alabama put Notre Dame ahead for good, demonstrating the athleticism and clutch gene that made him attractive to NBA scouts.
The South Bend, Indiana native chose Notre Dame over offers from Louisville, Maryland, Purdue, and Xavier. His father, Derrick Wesley, was a standout player at Ball State and was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Three Seasons in San Antonio
Blake Wesley spent his first three NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in 156 regular season games with four starts. His career averages in San Antonio were modest: 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14.3 minutes per game.
During the 2024-25 season, Wesley’s role diminished as he averaged career-low 11.8 minutes per game across 58 appearances. He posted 3.7 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range.
Despite limited NBA production, Blake Wesley showed promise in the G League with the Austin Spurs. Over 11 games in 2022-23, he averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. These numbers suggest Wesley has untapped potential that could emerge with increased opportunity.
Defensive Potential and Athletic Profile
Standing 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Blake Wesley possesses the physical tools to become an impact defender. NBA scouts have consistently praised his defensive potential, noting his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses.
During his late-season resurgence with San Antonio, Wesley averaged 1.7 steals in 20 minutes per game over his final seven appearances. His speed and athleticism make him “arguably the fastest player on the Spurs,” according to Air Alamo’s scouting report.
The 2022 NBA Draft Combine measured Wesley at 6-foot-4.25 in shoes with a 187-pound frame that still has room to fill out. Evaluators noted his “impressive burst” and “prototypical dimensions for a shooting guard” combined with “nice quickness”.
Trail Blazers’ Guard Situation
Blake Wesley joins a Portland backcourt that has undergone significant changes heading into 2025-26. The Trail Blazers recently acquired veteran Jrue Holiday in a trade with the Boston Celtics, sending Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks to Boston.
Damian Lillard remains on the roster after re-signing with Portland this summer, but he’s expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn left Achilles. This creates opportunities for younger guards like Wesley to contribute meaningful minutes.
The Blazers’ current guard rotation features Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe as the primary options. Blake Wesley will likely compete for the fourth guard spot previously held by Dalano Banton, who was not retained this offseason.
Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe Development
Portland’s commitment to developing young talent makes it an ideal landing spot for Blake Wesley. The Trail Blazers have invested heavily in guards Scoot Henderson (3rd overall pick in 2023) and Shaedon Sharpe (7th overall pick in 2022).
Henderson has shown flashes of brilliance during his sophomore season, including a recent stretch where he averaged 25.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over four games. Sharpe has emerged as a reliable scorer, averaging 18.5 points per game in 2024-25 despite missing time due to injuries.
The development of this young backcourt has been encouraging for Portland’s rebuild efforts. Blake Wesley’s addition provides veteran experience at just 22 years old, having played 156 NBA games compared to Henderson’s 66 and Sharpe’s 104 combined appearances.
Financial Implications and Roster Construction
Blake Wesley’s signing brings Portland’s roster to 15 guaranteed contracts for the 2025-26 season. The deal is reportedly worth approximately $2.38 million on a veteran minimum contract, allowing Wesley to recoup most of the money he forfeited in his Washington buyout.
The Trail Blazers have strategically managed their salary cap to maintain flexibility while adding talent. Wesley’s minimum salary doesn’t impact their ability to make additional moves before training camp begins in September.
Portland still has one open two-way contract spot that will likely remain unfilled at the start of training camp. The team may evaluate training camp invitees or monitor roster cuts from other franchises to fill this position.
Veteran Leadership and Mentorship Opportunities
Despite his young age, Blake Wesley brings valuable NBA experience to Portland’s locker room. His 156 regular season games provide perspective that could benefit even younger players like Henderson and rookie Yang Hansen.
The presence of veterans like Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard creates an ideal mentorship environment for Wesley’s continued development. Holiday’s defensive expertise and Lillard’s offensive creativity could help unlock Wesley’s potential as both a defender and playmaker.
Wesley’s work ethic and professional approach have been consistently praised throughout his career. His willingness to accept reduced roles and continue improving despite limited opportunities demonstrates the character Portland values in their rebuilding process.
G League Success Provides Blueprint
Blake Wesley’s impressive G League statistics suggest he could thrive with increased NBA opportunity. His 20.7 points per game average with Austin shows he can score at a high level when given expanded responsibilities.
The gap between Wesley’s G League and NBA performance indicates potential that hasn’t been fully realized. Portland’s developmental staff will work to bridge this gap and help him translate minor league success to the NBA level.
His 37.5% three-point shooting in the G League contrasts sharply with his 29.7% NBA mark, suggesting mechanical adjustments or confidence issues that can be addressed. The Trail Blazers’ player development program has shown success with young guards, making Wesley an intriguing project.
Championship Experience and Team Culture
While Blake Wesley hasn’t won an NBA championship, his college experience includes NCAA Tournament success with Notre Dame. His clutch performances during March Madness demonstrate an ability to rise to big moments.
Portland values players who embrace their roles while maintaining professional standards. Wesley’s journey from first-round disappointment to buyout candidate to new opportunity exemplifies the resilience the Trail Blazers seek in their culture.
His South Bend roots and Midwest work ethic align with Portland’s blue-collar identity. The Trail Blazers have historically succeeded with players who prioritize team success over individual statistics, making Wesley a potentially strong cultural fit.
Training Camp Competition and Playing Time
Blake Wesley faces an uphill battle for consistent playing time during the 2025-26 season. The Trail Blazers have established veterans in Holiday and quality young players in Henderson and Sharpe ahead of him on the depth chart.
However, injuries and load management could create opportunities throughout the season. Wesley’s versatility to play both guard positions and defend multiple positions makes him valuable insurance for Portland’s backcourt.
Training camp will be crucial for Wesley to demonstrate his improvement and earn coach Chauncey Billups’ trust. His defensive intensity and energy could help him carve out a niche role even if offensive opportunities remain limited initially.
Future Outlook and Contract Implications
Blake Wesley’s one-year deal with Portland represents a prove-it opportunity for both player and franchise. If he performs well, he could earn a longer-term contract with the Trail Blazers or attract interest from other teams as a free agent in 2026.
At just 22 years old, Wesley still has significant upside despite his early NBA struggles. The combination of physical tools, work ethic, and defensive potential makes him an intriguing developmental project for Portland’s coaching staff.
His success in Portland could revitalize a career that appeared headed toward journeyman status. The Trail Blazers’ commitment to player development and young talent provides an ideal environment for Wesley to reach his potential and establish himself as a legitimate NBA contributor.
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