The Portland Trail Blazers have many challenging decisions to make this summer regarding the direction of their rebuilding roster. The Blazers' financial limitations make it even more difficult, which will undoubtedly affect the potential players they can sign. This upcoming free agency, Rip City has a potential spending budget of $5.2 million, utilizing the taxpayer's mid-level exception (TME). With that budget, they will be limited to role players. Because they don't have multiple opportunities for significant signings, they must be highly selective with who they add to the roster.
These four players fit within the Blazers' free agency budget and rebuilding timeline. Still, Portland should choose them entirely for various reasons, including positional fit and overall skill set.
1. Dennis Smith Jr.
Dennis Smith Jr. was electrifying in college at NC State, ultimately becoming the No. 9 overall selection in 2017 as a result. He even had an impressive rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists. Unfortunately, injuries have played a role in Smith's career, as he's only played more than 40 games in four of eight seasons.
Aside from the obvious concern that Smith won't consistently be available if you sign him, his injuries have also negatively affected his impact when healthy. As someone who relied heavily on his athleticism and downhill attacking style, Smith Jr. is no longer the offensive threat he once was, despite being only 26 years old.
The Blazers already have their version of Smith Jr. in terms of his style of play in Scoot Henderson. Adding Smith Jr. into the equation is redundant and would not provide the Blazers with much-needed roster versatility.