The Portland Trail Blazers still have two roster spots to fill, with their only free agency signing being Branden Carlson up until this point. Following the Ja Morant blockbuster, they have a wonky roster to sort out, meaning they must spend the remaining spots to address their lack of forward depth.
Bringing back two-way wing Matisse Thybulle is an increasingly realistic option, especially now that their dream target, Rui Hachimura, has landed with the Clippers. But Thybulle isn't the only one to have previously put on a Blazers jersey that would help fill the void.
Nicolas Batum
At 37 years old, it's safe to say Nicolas Batum isn't the player he once was. That said, his impressive longevity doesn't get the credit it deserves, as he can still provide value on a playoff roster.
Batum spent the first seven seasons of his career in Portland before becoming somewhat of a journeyman with stops in Charlotte, Los Angeles (twice), and Philadelphia. Every contender can always use an unselfish and poised Swiss Army Knife like Batum, though he's also never really had a legitimate shot at a ring.
Could he finish his career where it all started, with a revamped Blazers roster finally ready for a deep playoff push? They could use his services more than they'd probably like to admit.
Trendon Watford
The Philadelphia 76ers declined Trendon Watford's option, which opens the door for Portland to get back a player they likely moved on from too quickly. Watford has even teased a potential return to Rip City, saying it's an "easy decision" when asked by Blazers Argento on X to come back home.
Watford spent the first two seasons of his career in Portland, from 2021-23, and already showed flashes of his unique skillset as a playmaking forward during that stretch. His inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc is a concern for a team that needs more floor spacing after bringing in Ja Morant. However, at this point, the positional need at forward takes precedence over any other roster concerns.
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. is almost the opposite of Watford, addressing Portland's shooting woes but lacking the positional size to truly fill their forward void. He did play small forward for the majority of last season with the Milwaukee Bucks (61 percent, according to Basketball Reference), though the 6-foot-5 frame does raise concerns on the defensive end.
Admittedly, none of these are perfect fits to fill out the Blazers' wonky roster. Thybulle has injury concerns, Batum is on the brink of retirement, Watford struggles with his shot, and Trent is undersized.
However, after remaining idle through the first wave of free agency, their options are pretty limited at this point. These wouldn't just be feel-good reunions to make for the sake of it; they would be necessary additions to a Blazers roster in desperate need of more forward depth and struggling to find a balance this summer.
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