Portland Trail Blazers: Breaking down the off-season, move by move

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Signing Derrick Jones Jr. to a two-year $19 million contract

In what was probably the best move of the Blazers offseason, Olshey signed combo-forward Derrick Jones Jr. to a two-year deal.

The six-foot-six Jones was one of the most sought after players in the 2020 free-agent class. Jones was actually slated to get more money than this while also having significant interest from other teams.

After the Miami Heat said they would only offer a one-year deal, Olshey was able to corral Jones to the Blazers for two years.

One of the most athletic players in the league, Jones is an elite finisher at the rim and draws fouls aplenty. He was mainly brought in for his defense and athleticism, though.

In Olshey’s press conference, he touched on the fact that this team couldn’t finish possessions. Jones Jr does just that. It remains to be seen whether coach Terry Stotts will play faster to make better use of Jones, but him scorching up the lane while Damian Lillard is attracting multiple defenders will give him plenty of open looks.

His offensive rebounding will also be a big asset to a team that doesn’t rebound awfully well.

Defensively, he can guard positions two through four, and he excels at jumping passing lanes or getting up for blocks. He is an excellent perimeter defender who can guard the man as well as he can in help.

To lock up one of the best perimeter defenders in the league who is only 23, is a coup for the Blazers.