The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves in a challenging position with limited cap space and only one power forward, Nassir Little, currently under contract. Rumors suggest they will be able to re-sign Jerami Grant, who would slot back in as their starting power forward.
It sounds like Grant has an interest in returning to the Blazers too. In an interview with Jason Quick of The Athletic, Grant said:
"I’m looking forward to the talks and trying to figure something out. I definitely feel comfortable here… It’s a family setting. Just being here for this year, I’ve been able to become really close friends with a lot of people on the team, a lot of the staff, lot of people here. And I think for me, that’s a huge part of where you want to work, who you want to be around all year, for the next five years or whatever it might be. I think that’s the biggest thing."
Whether or not Grant re-signs, the Blazers will still need to address their forward position. The Blazers can explore various avenues such as utilizing exceptions like the full mid-level exception (MLE) ($12.2 million), minimum contracts, or the bi-annual exception ($4.5 million).
Here are five potential free agent fits at the forward position, considering skill sets, projected salaries, and possible impacts in Portland.
Free agent power forwards for Blazers to target
No. 1: Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes would be an excellent fit for the Blazers, whether they re-sign Grant or not. As a quality starter, Barnes would bring veteran leadership and a versatile skill set to the team. He is known for his ability to knock down 3-pointers consistently while providing solid defense on the perimeter.
If the Blazers fail to re-sign Grant, signing Barnes becomes more realistic, but even if Grant returns, Barnes may be open to signing for the full MLE.
Barnes’ scoring ability – he averaged 15 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting last season – would be a valuable asset for the Blazers. His experience and composure would also benefit the team in high-pressure situations.
If he joins the Blazers and plays off the bench behind Grant, he would provide stability and scoring punch to the second unit. He has the ability to fit with the Blazers as either a starter at the power forward or small forward positions or be a league-leading sixth man.
No. 2: Rui Hachimura
If the Los Angeles Lakers let him walk, Rui Hachimura would be an excellent rotation forward for the Blazers.
In an interview with ESPN, Hachimura said,
"The reason why I requested the trade is that I wanted to be somewhere I could be happy and play basketball, that liked me as a basketball player, that believed in me, and the Lakers were one of the teams that was really interested in me."
If he doesn’t re-sign with the Lakers, the Blazers are known to be a team many NBA players enjoy playing for.
Hachimura is known for his scoring versatility. He can contribute as a stretch big off the bench. With a career shooting percentage of 48 percent, he has shown efficiency and effectiveness in his scoring.
He has shown the ability to step into a larger role, as evidenced by his substantial minutes played during the Lakers’ Western Conference playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. In 33.5 minutes per game, he scored 15.3 points while shooting 53.3 percent from the field.
Hachimura’s ability to space the floor and provide scoring punch in the paint would be valuable for the Blazers’ second unit. Additionally, his growth potential and willingness to take on a larger role make him an intriguing option for the team’s long-term plans.
Hachimura fills the need for a stretch big, averaging 12.5 points in 26.9 minutes primarily off the bench in his career. As the second option off the bench behind Grant, he could provide valuable contributions at the cost of the full MLE.
No. 3: Grant Williams
While Grant Williams may sign a larger contract than the Blazers can afford, there’s a possibility he considers the full MLE. Last season, the Blazers often found themselves getting bullied by more physical teams, lacking the toughness and energy needed to compete at the highest level.
This is where Williams could make a significant impact.
Known for his physical play and willingness to do the dirty work, Williams would bring a much-needed edge to the Blazers’ roster. His toughness and energy on both ends of the court would be a valuable asset, helping the team establish a stronger presence in the paint and match up against physical opponents.
Williams’ ability to set screens, crash the boards, and defend multiple positions would make him a versatile contributor.
In addition to his physicality, Williams also possesses solid shooting skills. With a shooting percentage of 45.4 percent from the field and an impressive 39.5 percent from beyond the arc last season, he has shown the ability to knock down shots efficiently.
This shooting prowess, combined with his defensive capabilities, would help create more space for Lillard and Anfernee Simons to operate, as opponents would need to respect Williams’ outside shooting.
Overall, Williams’ presence as the second option off the bench behind Grant would provide a significant boost to the Blazers’ depth and address their need for physicality and energy. His contributions on both ends of the court, along with his shooting ability, would help elevate the team’s overall performance and make them more competitive against physical opponents.
No. 4: Danilo Gallinari
Danilo Gallinari, despite coming off an ACL injury, offers a unique skill set as a stretch big with scoring prowess. As a career 38.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Gallinari’s ability to stretch the floor would provide the Blazers with an additional offensive weapon.
His experience and scoring ability, even at the age of 34, would make him a valuable veteran presence in the Blazers’ locker room.
Gallinari’s offensive versatility goes beyond his 3-point shooting. He possesses a polished offensive repertoire, with the ability to score from mid-range and finish at the rim with finesse. His crafty scoring moves and high basketball IQ would make him a reliable option when the Blazers need a bucket.
Gallinari’s knack for drawing fouls and converting from the free-throw line adds an extra dimension to his scoring ability.
While there might be concerns about his injury recovery, if Gallinari can regain some of his form, he could be a significant asset off the bench, providing scoring punch and floor spacing. His presence would demand defensive attention, creating opportunities for his teammates and alleviating pressure on the Blazers’ star players.
Furthermore, his experience in high-pressure playoff situations (48 career playoff games) would bring invaluable knowledge and leadership to the locker room, helping the team navigate the challenges of a postseason run.
Since Gallinari will likely sign for the veteran minimum, he would be a cheap and valuable addition to the Blazers’ roster. His scoring prowess, floor spacing, and veteran presence would enhance the team’s offensive capabilities and provide a boost during crucial moments as a second or third big off the bench.
No. 5: Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay may not be the player he once was, but his veteran presence and defensive tenacity would be invaluable to the Blazers. Gay’s experience and leadership would have a positive impact on the team, especially during a potential playoff push. While his offensive production might have diminished, he still possesses the ability to score efficiently and provide solid defense.
Gay’s versatility to play multiple positions would also allow the Blazers to experiment with different lineups and defensive strategies, providing flexibility and adaptability on the court.
As the third option off the bench, he would provide valuable contributions in limited minutes while serving as a mentor and role model for the younger players, fostering their growth and development. That is a lot of value for a minimum contract.
Overall, each player mentioned brings a unique set of skills and attributes that would address the Blazers’ needs at the forward position. Whether it’s the scoring and three-and-D ability of Barnes and Williams, the offensive versatility of Hachimura, the scoring prowess of Gallinari, or the veteran presence of Gay, each player would contribute in their own way and help elevate the Blazers’ roster to compete at a higher level.