NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Western Conference

4.  Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, as far as monetarily speaking, are going for it.

The Blazers spent a ton of money this offseason, for what they hope will translate to further success in the playoffs.

Portland let restricted free agent Allen Crabbe hit the market and assess his value. Crabbe signed an offer sheet with the Brooklyn Nets worth $75 million. After careful consideration, Portland elected to match Brooklyn’s offer, in a decision that surprised some.

The Trail Blazers then signed CJ McCollum to a four-year extension, worth $106 million.

Portland also brought in Festus Ezeli from the Golden State Warriors. Ezeli has yet to fully develop offensively, but he can be an asset on the defensive end. The Blazers are set with Damian Lillard and McCollum, and Crabbe it seems will retain a smaller role for the time being. Speaking of Lillard, his own five-year deal, worth $139 million that was signed last year, begins this year.

Portland defeated the Clippers in the playoffs last year before losing to the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors. Portland is hoping to take the next step this season, and they have spent an exorbitant amount of cash in an effort to do so.

Next: No. 3