Portland Trail Blazers: 5 Free Agents to sign in 2020

Portland Trail Blazers: 5 Free Agents to sign in 2020 Free Agency

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Harry Giles III #20 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on February 20, 2020 in Sacramento, California. 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. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

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Markieff Morris

Markieff Morris would be the perfect backup power forward who could start depending on how he looks in the Los Angeles Lakers playoff run this year.

Morris is on the road to improving his standing in the NBA after injury and limited roles impacted his effectiveness on previous teams. He had a significant role on the Washington Wizards for multiple years, but as they looked to rebuild after the injury to John Wall, he was surplus to requirements. That was the case again this year on the Detroit Pistons, who blew things up after Blake Griffin was ruled out for the season. The Pistons had no reason to keep the 31-year-old Morris around.

On the Lakers, he has started to find his groove as a backup four and five who can play good defense, as well as knocking down the odd shot.

He doesn’t have the value of his brother, but there is no reason that with a more prominent role, he can’t be a stretch four who is a rotation player on a good team.

It isn’t easy to find power forwards who can defend and knock down the three. Morris is a tough defender who shoots the three at a career rate of 34.5 percent.

If the Blazers wanted a backup big who could improve over the life of his contract, then a two-year deal at around $6 – $8 million a year would be ideal for both parties.