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The Portland Trail Blazers are under immense pressure to rebuild their roster and surround superstar Damian Lillard with a team that can make some noise in the NBA Western Conference. But the offseason has been underwhelming for them so far. Apart from re-signing swingman Norman Powell, the Blazers haven't made any impact moves as such.
They also saw veterans Enes Kanter and Carmelo Anthony depart in free agency. Portland's immediate need right now is to add more depth to their roster, especially in the wings. But the Portland Trail Blazers have limited resources and limited options to consider when it comes to free agency.
They failed to sign intriguing prospects like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Nicolas Batum and are reluctant to move CJ McCollum, their most valuable trading block. The Portland Trail Blazers only have the taxpayer-mid-level exception worth $5.9 million and veteran minimum contracts to offer now.
With the clock ticking and limited resources, the Portland Trail Blazers front office has its back against the wall, especially with NBA trade rumors swirling around Damian Lillard.
3 Realistic signings the Portland Trail Blazers can target in 2021 NBA Free Agency
#3 Wesley Matthews
The LA Lakers are undecided on bringing back veteran Wesley Matthews for next season. Matthews is an excellent wing defender and has shown, whenever given the chance, that he can still make a great deal of impact. He is also a decent three-point shooter and will be a great difference-maker for the Portland Trail Blazers off the bench.
Matthews is also familiar with the Portland Trail Blazers as he played for the franchise for five seasons between 2010 and 2015. He was a starter back then and his production was higher. While he may not have that kind of an impact anymore, adding a defensive-minded player like Matthews can help the Trail Blazers massively.
Matthews will also be a cheaper option compared to a lot of other free agents in the market at the moment. His veteran leadership in the locker room can also come in handy. The Portland Trail Blazers do not have many reliable options on the bench to play as backups for Norman Powell or CJ McCollum at the moment, and Matthews is someone who can slot into both roles.
#2 Paul Millsap
Another veteran the Portland Trail Blazers should target is Paul Millsap. It's true that his production has certainly reduced in recent years. However, Millsap's 6'7" frame and ability to play great defense are his best traits. He is an intriguing option to consider and could come off the bench to play Robert Covington's minutes.
The Trail Blazers lack size on their roster, and defense is evidently one area they need to improve upon. Millsap fits the bill here, and can also step into the kind of veteran leadership role that Carmelo Anthony has provided for the team over the last two seasons.
Millsap averaged 9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game playing for the Denver Nuggets last season. He could even start for the team in case of an injury to any of their frontcourt players during the course of the season. Millsap will likely command a veteran minimum contract, which makes him an affordable target for the Portland Trail Blazers to consider.
#1 Josh Hart
At 26 years of age, Josh Hart is a younger option compared to the likes of Wesley Mathews and Paul Millsap for the Portland Trail Blazers. Hart is a terrific rebounder of the ball and is also a decent defender. The Trail Blazers could look to offer him the full tax-payer mid-level exception and hope the New Orleans Pelicans do not end up matching any offer sheet on him.
Hart averaged 9.2 points, 8 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game last season. He had a down shooting year though, averaging 32.6% from the deep on 4.1 attempts per contest. The fifth-year forward has always played significant minutes (26 per game throughout his career), meaning the Trail Blazers can rely on him in their rotation.
Hart fits the timeline of the younger players on the Portland Trail Blazers and could be a player they can continue with for years to come. The former LA Lakers man can play well on and off the ball, so that's another great sign for the team. He has recorded 17 double-doubles over the last two seasons, which is a remarkable feat considering he has largely featured in roles off the bench.
Guess the Lakers players!
