The Portland Trail Blazers free agency period hasn’t gone poorly, but the Blazers haven’t been able to secure the services of any difference-makers to add to last year’s team. A recent report stated that Damian Lillard had tried to recruit swingman Kelly Oubre Jr, but he was obviously unsuccessful as Oubre ended up on the Charlotte Hornets on a two-year deal after a sign and trade from the Golden State Warriors.
The Blazers made three smart signings on the veteran’s minimum at the beginning of free agency, as well as bringing back Norman Powell at a salary number that was widely accepted.
But, after almost a week since Free Agency began, there have been no significant moves made to improve the core of the team from last year.
The Blazers team that lost in a disappointing six games to an under-strength Denver Nuggets team, is still the same. The bench defense may be better with Cody Zeller there instead of Carmelo Anthony and Enes Kanter, but they will no doubt lose something on offense by swapping out Melo and Kanter.
With recent reports that the Blazers aren’t willing to move CJ McCollum, and that they may not even use the TaxPayer Exception, it looks like GM Neil Olshey just wants to see this team with new coach Chauncey Billups with the thinking that Billups can significantly improve the team’s defense.
This approach won’t turn the Blazers into a contender like Dame wants, but until Dame plays hardball with the front office, Olshey will just keep the team how it is now. The next month or so will likely be pivotal for the future of this team.