Devonte' Graham Signs One-Year Deal with Portland Trail Blazers

In a strategic move to bolster their backcourt, the Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Devonte' Graham to a one-year contract. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news, highlighting Graham's potential to bring veteran experience to a young Blazers squad.

Graham, 29, has spent the last two seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in 46 games. During the 2023 season, he played in 23 games, averaging five points per game. Although his recent stats show a decline, Graham's early career hinted at a much higher ceiling. Selected as the 34th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Kansas, Graham was initially traded to the Charlotte Hornets on draft night. His breakout year came during the 2019-20 season when he averaged 18.2 points per game, positioning him as one of the league's promising young talents.

However, his scoring output has gradually decreased over subsequent seasons. After the 2020-21 season, Graham was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he served as the primary point guard for a year. In the 2022-23 season, he found himself on the move again, this time to the rebuilding Spurs at the trade deadline, where he struggled to secure significant playing time.

Now with the Blazers, Graham is expected to serve as a seasoned mentor for promising young guards Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. His experience and leadership could prove invaluable as Portland aims to develop its backcourt talent and compete in the upcoming season.