Trail Blazers free agency: Players to target at each position

The Trail Blazers have a projected $21.3 million in available cap space this offseason. As a result, Portland’s front office will have a lot of decisions to make regarding the future of players on expiring contracts, notably Jerami Grant, Cam Reddish, and Matisse Thybulle.

However, one thing is for sure – all the moves the Blazers make from here on out will be to get Damian Lillard more help. They’ve been straddling the line between contending and rebuilding for too long and seem set on trying to build toward becoming a contender this offseason.

While they won’t have a ton of cap space, they can still add some players for relatively cheap to fill positional needs and roster weaknesses. Here are some veterans at every position that could fit in well in Portland.

Pesky point guards

Patrick Beverley

Beverley is a defensive-minded veteran that would fit in well coming off the bench to spell Lillard. He brings energy, experience, and defense, which would improve team weaknesses and complement the other Blazers players well.

While he’s certainly a controversial player that fans will likely have a strong opinion about, Pat Bev will win you over with his competitive spirit when he’s on your team. Teammate DeMar DeRozan even hilariously said that Beverley “sleeps aggressively.”

With the Blazers looking to add more veterans to the roster this season, they should consider Beverley.

Jevon Carter

Carter is what you’d expect as a player out of Bob Huggins’ West Virginia system. He’s a solid defender that moves his feet well and puts tremendous pressure on whoever he’s guarding.

An underrated aspect of Carter’s game is his shooting ability. He’s had a minor breakout season with the Milwaukee Bucks this year, shooting 42.1 percent from three.

Like Beverley, Carter would eat up minutes nicely off the bench and provide that much-needed defensive catalyst the Blazers missed this season.