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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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Oct 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) passes the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) passes the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Terrence Jones, 24 years old (UFA)

2015-16 Stats: 8.7 PPG / 4.2 RPG / 0.8 BPG

The Case for Jones: There are multiple reasons on why Terrence Jones would be a great addition to the Trail Blazers. Much like Sullinger, he’s an offensively skilled big man who excels when facing the basket. He’s been pushed to the background the last few years in Houston, but don’t let that sway you – no one thrives in Houston outside of James Harden. Another interesting wrinkle is that he’s a Portland native and attended Jefferson High School. Signing Jones would excite the fan base and bring a local talent to an already likeable team.

The Case Against Jones: Jones has only played more than 50 games in a season once in his career. It seems like injuries are always coming his way, from short stints on the bench for concussions, to larger setbacks due to a collapsed lung. So the Trail Blazers shouldn’t expect Jones to play a full 82 game schedule – or anything close to it. Up until yesterday, Jones was a restricted free agent. Rotoworld reported on June 30th that the Rockets had declined the qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted target.

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Cost of signing Jones: Jones’ value has dropped considerably since the end of the 2014 season, but still should see offers in the $10 million to $15 million a year range.