The Best Options on the NBA Buyout Market for the Portland Trail Blazers

Milos Teodosic

I know what you are thinking. Why would the Blazers add another guard? Hear me out. This buyout class lacks a wing with the exception of Carmelo Anthony. The class also lacks a good defender. So, why not take the best offensive player in the class?

The Blazers lost Wade Baldwin IV in the Rodney Hood trade leaving Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons as the only true point guards on the roster. Teodosic has gone severely underrated among NBA fans. After concluding a decorated Euro-League career including winning the title and the MVP award, Teodosic signed with the LA Clippers in the summer of 2017. Teodosic struggled with injuries throughout the 2017-18 season, but his impact was palpable. The Clippers carried a 29-16 record when Teodosic played compared to 13-24 when he was out. Teodosic opens up an offense with his unmatched court vision and passing ability.

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Very few players on the planet can make those plays. Teodosic can also shoot the ball well from deep; he has shot 37.8% from three in his two NBA seasons.

Teodosic does have his weaknesses. He is a sieve defensively and lacks speed and athleticism. Nevertheless, the Blazers potent offense would be even better by adding a playmaker and shooter like Teodosic. A second unit consisting of Curry, Teodosic, Turner, Layman, and Leonard would have too much offensive firepower for opposing defenses to handle.

The Clippers have a glut of young guards including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jerome Robinson, Landry Shamet, Tyrone Wallace, and Sindarius Thornwell. The team still has veterans Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams, so it did not make sense to hold onto the 31-year-old Teodosic, who is expected to rejoin the Euro-League next season. However, he could certainly help the Blazers in the playoffs this season.