Noah Vonleh's third-year team option was exercised by the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Vonleh's third-year team option was exercised by the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Analysis:

The Hornets cut bait on Vonleh, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, after just one year, but the Trail Blazers still believe he can develop into a serviceable big man in time. With LaMarcus Aldridge leaving for San Antonio in the offseason, the Blazers' frontcourt is in flux, which could allow Vonleh to ultimately usurp one of the two presumptive starters, Meyers Leonard and Mason Plumlee, both of who are relatively unestablished.