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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 free-agent targets for the 2021 season

By Stevie Cozens

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 4: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets on November 4, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 4: Jae Crowder #99 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets on November 4, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

Markieff Morris

Currently playing on the Los Angeles Lakers, Markieff Morris could be a great reclamation project for this team. Morris unfortunately had a serious back issue in the 2019 season meaning he could only play 34 games in total. After a full offseason to recover from this he seemed to be getting back to his best for the Detroit Pistons and then the Lakers.

Depending on what happens with the season and playoffs, Morris may prove himself for a bigger deal when it comes to negotiate his next payday. But he probably needs to play a full healthy season first.

Morris is known around the league as a tough cookie like his brother Marcus. He is six-foot-nine and can guard threes and fours while also playing a significant portion of his career at the five too. Though his shooting hasn’t exploded like his brothers has the last few years, Markieff still shot the three at 39.7 percent on 189 attempts in Detroit this year.

He is a good decision maker while he plays in a position of need in the switch-heavy NBA. Morris has returned to his strong finishing around the rim of his younger days. He is a good rebounder and although he isn’t a great shot blocker he does have good defensive positioning.

Every team needs a big wing who can guard the Paul George‘s and LeBron James of this world. Though Morris won’t shut this type of guy down, he can hold his own. As the Blazers look to pair Damian Lillard with the right players for more deep playoff runs, they will need wings with size.

NBA Draft prospect of the week, Jaden McDaniels. dark. Next

It’s hard to say what Morris’ market will be in free agency as his health is probably still in question. But at only thirty-years old a $6 million a year deal over two-years probably isn’t much of a risk.

The Blazers need wings badly. Defense hasn’t been a priority for this team, but it should be in the future if they want to maximize Dame’s prime. The three options above, all provide defense while not hurting the offense in the meantime. With only limited funds to spend, defense needs to be top of the list.