What’s next for Dorell Wright?

Dorell Wright is the only player from the Portland Trail Blazers’ 2014-15 roster to remain in the NBA without a confirmed home for the 2015-16 season. The unrestricted free agent has been content to spend this summer with his wife and children, following the birth of his son, Dash, in mid-May. Although exploring his signing options has not been a pressing matter for him, it is one that he ought to be considering as the offseason starts winding down.

Despite being a seasoned veteran with 11 years of professional experience, Wright is still just 29-years-old—the benefit of being drafted out of high school in 2004. As such, Wright still has several years of valuable contribution left. It would not be surprising to see him reel in a multi-year deal for a little more than the veteran’s minimum—but where?

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Early rumors suggested that Wright may return to the Miami Heat, as he still has an affinity for the organization and its personnel. However, the Heat have not made any moves to suggest that Wright is a target for them. In fact, the re-signing of Luol Deng and the drafting of Justise Winslow suggest just the opposite. They have the small forward position covered with a 2x All-Star and a top-10 rookie.

Wright’s name has also been brought up in speculation regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hope to find a forward that can come in off the bench and ease the burden on LeBron James. Yet, they too have been busy. They officially signed veteran 3-point specialist Richard Jefferson earlier this week. At 35, Jefferson may not have as much time left in the league as Wright, but he is still in good enough shape to suit Cleveland’s needs in the here and now.

Jan 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the second half of the NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Of the teams in need remaining, the Los Angeles Lakers may be Wright’s most intriguing option. Even if they play Kobe Bryant at small forward to accommodate both D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson in the starting lineup, depth at the three is their most glaring problem. Wright would probably be amenable to solving it for them, as he is from Los Angeles and looking for a stable situation for his growing family.

If either party has other intentions, Wright’s next-best alternative is the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks are still quietly reeling from the loss of DeMarre Carroll in free agency, and desperately need someone that can take his place as a perimeter threat to pair with Kyle Korver. Thought to be a championship caliber team last season, the Hawks have an ideal situation ready-made if Wright decides to chase another ring. Most free agents of Wright’s standing in the NBA hierarchy do not get an opportunity to be an important piece of a championship run this late in their career.

Regardless of the destination Wright chooses, we will wish him well. It is unlikely that he will return to the Trail Blazers, given the circumstances of their current rebuild. When Wright is ready to explore his options, he will have a few satisfactory ones to pick from, though it would behoove him to be active while appropriate suitors have room for him. As it stands, the Lakers and Hawks are among the most attractive if mutual interest can be established.

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