Move #2 – Re-sign Norman Powell
Outside of a blockbuster trade, re-signing Norman Powell is the most important move of this 2021 Free Agency period. The Blazers just need to bring him back.
Because their cap situation is even worse than last year, bringing Powell book on any deal under $20 million a year will be a success. Because the Blazers don’t have the money to replace Powell even if he left, it means they have to prioritize bringing him back over everything else.
Powell is a great player though. An excellent finisher at the rim who is long and strong, he is a better defender than both CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.
Powell is just 28, and the Blazers can get all his peak years by signing him up to a four-year deal worth anywhere from $80 – $100 million. Though people might not like hearing it, re-signing Powell is also trade insurance if CJ was ever moved. Powell is actually a better fit next to Powell because of his size and strength, as well as his slashing ability.
Move #3 – Re-sign Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is one of the best rebounders in the NBA, and in a Blazers system that will likely change defensively, they should be able to bring back the Turkish big man. With a lack of consistency at the big men spots, and some struggles for size off the bench, Kanter makes sense as a backup big man who can step in, in case of injury, or if Nurkic is in foul trouble.
The team can bring him back for up to 175 percent of his previous contract, meaning that money won’t likely be an issue if they do want to bring him back. Kanter is one of a few players that the Blazers have an exception like that on, that they can exercise to go over the cap to bring him back.
Kanter brings great production off the bench on offense and is just the type of big body the Blazers need to begin the season.
Outside of Lillard, Kanter was the most consistent Blazer player in 2021, bringing him back next season should be a no-brainer.