5 Former Portland Trail Blazers that the team can re-sign this summer

The Portland Trail Blazers will have limited free agency flexibility this offseason. Portland's potential spending power is the taxpayer's mid-level exception, worth $5.2 million. Given their relatively small market, poor record, and lack of budget, making a compelling case for players to sign with Portland this summer will be challenging. But sometimes, the easiest way to get talent in free agency is to have a prior relationship with the player.

Honorable mention: Wesley Matthews, who spent five seasons with the Blazers earlier in his career, is also a free agent. However, he's 37 and could decide to retire. Even if he does continue playing in the NBA, a reunion with the Blazers doesn't make much sense for either party.

1. Trendon Watford

Brooklyn Nets' Trendon Watford provides a bit of versatility to rosters, which the Blazers are currently missing. He's a 6-foot-8 forward who shot an efficient 52.7 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three, along with 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Watford had remarkably similar numbers with Portland in the 2022-23 season, making it perplexing that General Manager Joe Cronin decided to waive him in the first place.

Teams are coveting big men who can stretch the floor on offense. Watford fits the bill, is cheap, and still has untapped potential with only three seasons under his belt at 23 years old. The Blazers should never have let Watford go, and now have a chance to fix their mistake in free agency.