Why Nassir Little Prioritized Security Over Money in Extension With Trail Blazers

Making sense of Nassir Little's new long-term deal

TUALATIN, Ore.—Nassir Little knows he probably could have gotten more money if he'd waited it out.

When news broke on Monday morning that he'd agreed to a four-year, $28 million extension with the Trail Blazers, the immediate reaction was: That's all?

Yes, Little has had trouble staying on the floor dealing with various injuries through his first three seasons, and looked rusty in the preseason as he's worked his way back from shoulder and core muscle surgeries within the past eight months. But $7 million isn't even the midlevel exception. It's closer in number to the qualifying offer he could sign for next season in a worst-case scenario. So what's the advantage to signing that now rather than betting on himself to get potentially twice that amount or more next summer as a restricted free agent?

"28 million dollars is the advantage," Little said Monday after practice, shortly after the deal became official. "Some security, peace of mind, having that kind of locked in. Having them show their belief in me, it means the world."

From a business standpoint, it's a risk. But if you know Little, it's not surprising.