Ed Davis Leaves the Trail Blazers in 2018 Free Agency
Ed Davis agreed to a reported one-year, $4.4 million Brooklyn Nets deal in 2018 free agency. This post preserves our original reaction to his departure from the Portland Trail Blazers, published on July 1, 2018.
Davis spent three seasons in Portland, from 2015–16 through 2017–18. In his final regular season with the Blazers, he averaged 5.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 18.9 minutes across 78 games. Those rebounding numbers offer some context for why losing him felt significant despite his limited minutes.
Why We Were Sad to See Ed Davis Go
Our reaction below is about more than the box score. We appreciated Davis for his effort, toughness and veteran presence, and his departure left us wondering what Portland would do next. For fans looking back at the Trail Blazers’ 2018 offseason, the video captures that immediate disappointment and uncertainty.
Wow. We’re genuinely disappointed to see Ed Davis leave Portland. It’s a sad night for us — we’re huge Ed Davis fans. We think we speak for all of Portland when we say you’ll be sorely missed. You provided heart, hustle, grit and a veteran presence when needed. Portland loves you Ed Davis!
This obviously begs the question . . . now what?
Historical sources: NBA.com’s 2018 free-agency roundup and the Timberwolves’ Ed Davis career biography and statistics.