Portland Trail Blazers: 3 best bargain bin free agents at each position

Portland Trail Blazers Veteran Minimum Free Agent Targets: Small Forwards

1. Georges Niang

Georges Niang may be due for a pay raise, but if he’s overlooked again, he’d be a hell of a steal for the Portland Trail Blazers. Niang is an extremely underrated, versatile player. He can play and guard both forward spots aptly. He shot over 40 percent from deep the last three seasons.

He hasn’t been given much room or time to grow with the Utah Jazz, but at 27 years old, he could still raise his ceiling. Niang isn’t particularly great at anything other than deep shooting, but he’s a solid defender with good size. He’s the exact type of player the Blazers should target this offseason.

2. Isaac Bonga

Isaac Bonga is a player with a lot of untapped potential. He’s close to being given the bust label and playing overseas, but his ceiling deserves at least one more contract.

He’s a small forward who moves like a point guard. At 6’8 with a seven-foot wingspan, he could grow to be an extremely impactful and multifaceted defender. He has playmaking instincts and a sharp handle.

Watch how quickly he finds Russell Westbrook on this “V-cut.” Adding Bonga’s playmaking instincts to the bench would greatly help Portland’s backup scorers find easier looks.

If he’s able to improve his outside shot and bulk up his body, he could grow into a three-level scorer and secondary playmaker. He’s definitely worth a minimum deal.

3. James Ennis

James Ennis’s defensive ability and outside shooting has turned him into a rolling stone of a 3-and-D wing. He’s played for seven different NBA teams already, with two different stops for the Memphis Grizzlies.

He’s yet to find a real home, but is a player that any team could use on their bench. Last season, he shot over 43 percent from deep, while playing solid defense. He has the size, length, and agility to guard three different positions. He’ll be a solid addition to the Blazers wing depth for the veteran’s minimum.