After finishing dead last in three-point percentage in 2023-24 and in the bottom five this season, the Portland Trail Blazers' first free agency move couldn't be clearer: they need to add a sharpshooter.
Portland is set to return 13 players under contract next season, accounting for Matisse Thybulle's player option. Although they are over the salary cap, the Blazers are under the luxury tax and can add a key piece to help address their shooting woes. ESPN's Bobby Marks' NBA offseason guide notes, "With their upcoming lottery pick, the Blazers are $11 million below the tax and $17 million below the first apron."
They also have exceptions, including the non-tax mid-level, biannual, second-round, and veteran minimum. That's significant room to work with as the non-tax midlevel and biannual exceptions are set to be $14.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively.
Blazers desperately need shooters to unlock their young core
Malik Beasley had a resurgent season in Detroit, averaging 16.3 points and shooting 41.6 percent from downtown. Another Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Ty Jerome, also fits the bill, connecting on an absurd 43.9 percent of his attempts. It's possible both played their way out of Portland's price range, but that's precisely the type of floor spacer they need to pursue.
It doesn't necessarily need to be a guard, either; Portland still needs to add more depth at their wing and forward spots. Bobby Portis and John Collins each have player options and could look for a change of scenery. The list goes on, as plenty of sharpshooters are set to hit the market this summer.
The Blazers' young core is exciting, but none are elite shooters at this point in their careers. Surrounding them with floor spacing is paramount for their development.
The three players with arguably the highest ceilings -- Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson -- are all at their best when attacking downhill. It's impressive that Avdija has found this level of success in his first season in Portland despite a congested paint and few floor-spacing options to keep defenses honest.
Unless they make a move, the Blazers' shooting problems are only going to get worse. Yes, they'll have internal improvement, but their top shooters -- Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons -- are trade candidates. It's similar to how they lost Malcolm Brogdon, their most efficient three-point shooter in 2023-24.
The Blazers are at a fragile point in their rebuild where they are attempting to balance the development of their young roster while also making a playoff push, potentially as soon as next season. Adding more shooting in free agency will help them achieve both.