2. Drew Eubanks
Drew Eubanks signed a two-year, $5 million contract last offseason with the Phoenix Suns, which includes a player option for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Currently, it seems unlikely that Eubanks will opt out of his option. However, the NBA is ever-evolving, and nothing is set in stone until the contract is officially signed.
Eubanks' numbers decreased in Phoenix mainly due to his diminished role - he went from playing 20.3 minutes per game to 15.6 minutes. As a result, he only averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, both of which are the lowest since his 2021-22 season with the San Antonio Spurs. However, he was still his efficient self when on the court, shooting over 60 percent from the field and providing contagious energy coming off the bench.
Especially with Robert Williams III's injury history, the Blazers could use another big man in their rotation. If Eubanks does decide to opt out of his contract, Portland should consider looking into a reunion for the hometown favorite. There's a human element in free agency that often gets overlooked; the fact that Eubanks went to college at Oregon State and grew up in Troutdale could potentially play a role in deciding to return.