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Portland Trail Blazers: 4 best options on the buyout market

By Stevie Cozens

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 06: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 06, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 06: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 06, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers completed a sizeable trade at the trade deadline, sending out Rodney Hood and Gary Trent Jr in return for Norman Powell of the Toronto Raptors. Because of the salary construction of the deal and the fact that they sent out two players and got one back, the Blazers now have space under the luxury tax and two roster spots to sign players with.

With a need to increase size on the perimeter, and a shortage in backup playmaking and big men depth, the Blazers can now look at players that have been bought out or waived. The buyout market is usually a place where teams will sign guys to fill gaps on their roster before playoff time.

Which 4 players are the Portland Trail Blazers best options on the buyout market?

Buyout option #1 – Gorgui Dieng

The Memphis Grizzlies recently waived Gorgui Dieng, so even though he wasn’t bought out, he would still get the smaller pro-rated salary that all players signed at this part of the season receive.

Dieng was unfortunate to be part of a miserable Minnesota Timberwolves team for much of his career, where part of his peak years were wasted under a strange Tom Thibodeau regime.

Dieng’s days as a starter are likely behind him, but as a big man who can stretch the floor while also providing defense, he can still add value in the league.

Dieng is still just 31-years-old and is only a center these days. He stands at six-foot-ten and has a monstrous seven-foot-four wingspan.

At his peak, Dieng’s offensive strengths were his mid-range jumper that he shot at around 44 percent, and excellent passing out of the high post or the lower block.

Defensively, because of his strength and length, he has a great ability to get steals and blocks along with rebounds on both ends of the court.

Because these players are free agents, there is no need to worry about contracts or cap space. If the Blazers feel they need big man insurance, then Dieng could be their man.