Portland secured a championship-tested finisher to ignite their frontcourt, betting on the efficient rim-running skills and established chemistry that powered back-to-back national titles at UConn.

A G League efficiency leader reunites with former UConn teammate Donovan Clingan as Portland bets on the 6-foot-10 big man’s elite finishing and championship-winning defensive upside.

Samson Johnson was pretty successful in his role backing up Donovan Clingan while at UConn, as the big man pairing helped the Huskies win the 2024 national championship. Now, the two will be reunited as Johnson signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland’s G League team, the Rip City Remix, which also plays in Portland, Ore., first acquired Johnson’s rights in a trade with Indiana’s G ...