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The determination of Pat Connaughton’s fate with the Portland Trail Blazers has been put on hold, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian. Connaughton’s non-guaranteed contract was set to become fully guaranteed if the Trail Blazers did not waive him before July 25, but he and the team agreed to push the deadline out to August 31, giving themselves more than a month before a decision must come.
The Blazers have moved the deadline in which they must guarantee Pat Connaughton's 2017-18 contract from tomorrow at 2 p.m. to Aug. 31.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) July 25, 2017
Delaying the contract decision on Connaughton gives the Blazers an extra month (or so) to maintain flexibility with their 15th roster spot.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) July 25, 2017
Connaughton is the only player on roster without a fully guaranteed deal for the 2017-18 season and, as such, he is on the chopping block to be waived if the Trail Blazers wish to sign a free agent to the $5.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception, filling their final slot that he currently occupies.