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Trail Blazers: Three potential signings on the buyout market

By Stevie Cozens

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 4: Marvin Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on before the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 04, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 4: Marvin Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on before the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 04, 2019 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Marvin Williams

Marvin Williams of the Charlotte Hornets would be a great target for this team. Off the bench as a backup forward, he could play as a small ball five or just as the primary back up power-forward. Williams has played sparingly for the Hornets but has actually improved his shooting as a stretch big over the last few years.

In a smaller role this year of just twenty minutes a game, Williams has thrived. He is shooting a career high from the line at 88.6 percent, from two at 55.7 percent, at the rim at 81 percent, and from corner three at 49 percent.

Williams is a perfect example of a guy that’s accepted a lesser role in a young team and thrived in it. He’s only taking five shots a game but he is a great teammate and has been exactly what the transitioning Hornets needed this year.

Williams has been in Charlotte six years but has only been in the playoffs once since the 2011/12 season, when he was on the Utah Jazz. The Hornets would love to bring him back next season but as a defensive minded stretch four, he may have a market in free agency.

If Williams isn’t traded at the deadline then a buy-out may make sense for him. The Hornets shouldn’t look to use his bird rights as they have no need to go over the cap. If they could come to a agreement with Williams then they could clear some cap space and a roster spot.

For the Blazers, Williams would be a perfect fit. As a backup four who can play spot minutes at the five, Williams could address a lot of the Blazers issues. He doesn’t foul when defending, forces a lot of turnovers considering his size, and has the size to defend the four and five positions.

Williams could accept the minimum salary available with the injury exception from the Blazers and then come in for the rest of the season. They would only have non bird rights on him, but could offer him one of their exceptions next season dependent on what else happens in the summer.