The Portland Trail Blazers lack depth at both of their forward positions and need to add a couple of players who both compliment Damian Lillard, and can defend at a decent level.
Because of the Blazers salary restrictions, they are likely to only have half of the mid-level and then the veteran’s minimum to offer free agents. This will limit the type of player they can sign, but there are still guys available who at that price tag can play a role off the bench.
5 best free agents for the Portland Trail Blazers to target at small forward
Portland Trail Blazers small forward target #1 – Trevor Ariza
Former Blazer Trevor Ariza is a guy who can still help NBA teams at the highest level. Though he’s not a thirty-minute a night guy anymore, he has the tools required to be able to play in crunch time, and in the playoffs.
Ariza is six-foot-eight with a near seven-foot-wingspan, he can shoot the three well, and he can defend. It was only a year ago that Ariza was one of the Blazers best players before the bubble, where he played 20 games and shot near 50 – 40 – 90 while playing great defense.
Though he didn’t play in the bubble, Ariza has still shown that he can add value to good teams after a decent season with the Miami Heat this year. Ariza is excellent at guarding threes and fours in the NBA, and he does it well without fouling. He is a league-average shooter from three as well as being a great rebounder for his position.
His market is around the veterans minimum, maybe a touch more, and likely only a single-year deal.