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Portland Trail Blazers: 10 bargain-bin Free Agents to sign in 2021

By Stevie Cozens

DENVER, CO - JUNE 11: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns shoots as he is defended by JaMychal Green #0 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JUNE 11: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns shoots as he is defended by JaMychal Green #0 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers bargain free agent #5 – Jarred Vanderbilt

Jarred Vanderbilt is a 22-year-old big man who just had the best season of his career for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Still only 22, Vanderbilt would fit into the backup or third big spot that Harry Giles had last season.

Though he is just six-foot-nine, his seven-foot-one wingspan means he can match up well with opposition bigs while being mobile enough not to get burned on the perimeter.

Vanderbilt is an energy rim running big who can rebound, defend and finish at the rim.

As his market will likely be on the veterans minimum, Vanderbilt could be a nice backup big, not just for 2022 but maybe long-term.

(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers bargain free agent #6 – Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson’s NBA career hasn’t really reached the heights that some thought after being drafted with the number eight pick and then famously checked LeBron James in a playoff series way back in 2016. His role waxed and waned on a dysfunctional Detroit Pistons team, and his offensive game never really came on.

But, still only 25, he has room to grow to maybe be a back of rotation guy. This is mainly because of his defense. With a massive body at six-foot-six and 240 pounds, to go with a six-foot-eleven wingspan, Johnson can defend some of the league’s biggest wings and forwards.

He has always improved his team’s defenses with his penchant for forcing turnovers and blocking shots. If his shooting ever comes on, it remains to be seen, but if the Blazers want wing defense off the bench that will come cheap, Johnson can be their man.