Apr 9, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) dribbles the ball upcourt in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Former Notre Dame Guard Blake Wesley signs with Portland

Originally posted on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI
By Jared Shlensky | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 2:31 PM ET

Blake Wesley is the first one-and-one player to come out of Notre Dame. But a change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered. The former Fighting Irish star officially signed a one-year deal on Monday with the Portland Trail Blazers after spending the first three years of his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs.

Welcome to #RipCity, Blake!

: https://t.co/yanPJQGbYX pic.twitter.com/yVineZSnjf
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) July 22, 2025

Wesley averaged 4.3 points, 2.4 assists and 1.5 rebounds in three seasons with the Spurs after being drafted by San Antonio with the 25th overall pick in 2022. Wesley was traded to the Washington on July 8th, but the Wizards reached a buyout with Wesley, allowing him to become a free agent. Wesley will also reportedly wear No. 99 for the Blazers, becoming the first player in franchise history.

Blake Wesley (@blakewesley0) will wear No. 99 for the #Blazers. Number never worn in franchise history. #NBA pic.twitter.com/Sbm9eWmKBR
— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 23, 2025

Clearly it seems Wesley could have used an extra year or two in college to develop his game, but considering he's only 22, his best days very well could be ahead of him. And with Damian Lillard returning to Portland, the Trail Blazers could be a perfect fit for him.

Wesley should have a chance to earn valuable minutes off the bench this season with Portland.

Wesley doesn't have great size for a shooting guard, but he can shoot it and is a solid defender. Wesley's NBA career hasn't necessarily gotten off to a fast start, but don't be surprised if he shows vast improvement with the Trail Blazers this season.

This article first appeared on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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