US media: Yang Hansen expected to be the Trail Blazers' Summer League focal point; could be dropped if progress this season falls short

On July 7, Beijing time, Sports Illustrated wrote about Trail Blazers player Yang Hansen, pointing out that he will become the core of Portland's Summer League team. However, the article also stated that if Hansen's development in the 2026-27 season is unsatisfactory, Portland could directly release him at the conclusion of the season, choosing not to exercise the team options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. The full article follows —

The Trail Blazers did not use any draft picks this year, meaning the team has more room and time during Summer League to focus on developing 2025 first-round pick Yang Hansen. Portland still holds two two-way players in Jhon Youngblood and Kent, but Yang Hansen will be the most noteworthy core player when the Trail Blazers face the Phoenix Suns in their Las Vegas Summer League opener.

In his rookie season, Yang Hansen appeared in just 43 regular-season games for the Trail Blazers, averaging 2.2 points per game. Selected 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he drew significant attention upon arriving in the league, with many fans dubbing him the "Chinese Nikola Jokić." However, to live up to those high expectations and reach the level predicted for him, Hansen still needs to refine many aspects of his game. Summer League provides an excellent opportunity for him to showcase his offseason improvements while continuing to develop in live competition.

While playing for the Trail Blazers' G League affiliate, the Remix, Yang Hansen averaged 16.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. In a March matchup against the San Diego Clippers, he dropped 31 points in a single game, marking the best performance of his G League career.

This also sends a clear signal: In Summer League, Yang Hansen will serve as the offensive focal point for the Trail Blazers. He possesses impressive offensive talent, but he must refine his defense to prove to the team that he holds long-term value in the NBA.

If the Trail Blazers exercise their team options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons, Yang Hansen would have three years remaining on his rookie contract. However, the salary structure of this deal means that if the team is dissatisfied with his progress this season, Portland could simply waive him at the end of the year, choosing not to extend the contract.

This requires Yang Hansen to demonstrate clear, visible growth to convince the team to continue investing in him. The Trail Blazers recently re-signed Robert Williams III to a three-year contract, and Donovan Clingan is also likely to become the team's long-term interior cornerstone. The presence of both players narrows the path for Hansen to enter the regular rotation, placing significant pressure on him to prove to the new coaching staff, led by Nate Bjorkgren, that he is worth the organization's long-term investment.

It all starts with Summer League—this tournament will set the tone for his transformative offseason.