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Trail Blazers Free Agency: 25 and Under Targets

By Perry Waggoner

Mar 31, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 116-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 116-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) Trail Blazers Free Agency: Under 25 Target . Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) Trail Blazers Free Agency: Under 25 Target . Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Bismack Biyombo, 23 years old (UFA)

2015-16 Stats: 5.5 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 1.6 BPG

The Case for Biyombo: Believe it or not, Biyombo is just 23 after playing in the league for five years. Once considered a draft bust, he broke out for the Raptors this last post season, averaging 10.3 RPG and 1.8 BPG in the Conference Semifinals. He’s a lengthy, aggressive big who would give Portland an intimidating presence in the paint. If the Trail Blazers are going to keep Aminu/Harkless at power forward, Biyombo would be a great piece to add alongside them for defensive purposes.

The Case Against Biyombo: The one clear knock on Biyombo is his lack of an offensive game and it comes with good merit. 5.5 PPG is his career high and he has never averaged more than two made field goals in a game. For Portland, this seems like an obvious setback after failing to get much production from the center position last season. For the right price, Biyombo could be an interesting piece to bring off the bench as a defensive force. Key words: for the right price. 

Cost of signing Biyombo: If he’s wise, Biyombo will point towards his outstanding performances in the playoffs and ask for anywhere from $15 million to $20 million per year.

Next: Evan Fournier, 23 years old