NBA Rumors: 3 Players that the Portland Trail Blazers could sign this summer

The 18-19 season should be considered a resounding success for the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite suffering a number of injuries to key players, the Trail Blazers managed to overcome both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

In the West Finals, they went on to suffer a 4-0 series defeat to a rampant Golden State Warriors team, however, the future still looks bright thanks to the dynamic backcourt pairing of CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.

The Trail Blazers will want to build upon their breakout season this summer, and here are three stars that are currently being linked with a move to Portland.

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#3 Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza spent the second half of the season with the Washington Wizards

Trevor Ariza joined the Washington Wizards from the Phoenix Suns back in December, although he failed to make much of an impact with a franchise that spent much of the season in turmoil. As an impending free-agent, Ariza is unlikely to remain in Washington, and Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the veteran could be an option for the Trail Blazers:

Trevor Ariza is an expert at securing the bag but should be more accessible to cash-strapped suitors this summer. Next year is his age-34 season, and despite channeling his inner passer while on the Wizards, he shot just 32.2 percent from long range through 43 appearances in Washington.

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum would get Ariza better looks, and he did drop in 44.7 percent of his wide-open deep balls. Aminu is the better defender, and the Blazers' ideal scenario includes having both. But Ariza is an upgrade should they have to choose, if only because he won't regress into an offensive non-factor in the postseason.

Ariza made 42 appearances for the Wizards, averaging 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

#2 Robert Covington

Robert Covington enjoyed a strong season with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Following a disappointing season, the Timberwolves are potentially facing a rebuild this summer, and Bleacher Report believes that Robert Covington could be a potential summer target for Portland:

Robert Covington is borderline untouchable if the Timberwolves are trying to make the playoffs. He's one of the league's best trade assets if they're content to enter a quasi-rebuild.

Two first-round picks and Harkless is a doable price for the Blazers. They can flip No. 25 as an actual player and include next year's selection. And if Minnesota needs more, Portland shouldn't be opposed to throwing in Anfernee Simons or, more preferably, Skal Labissiere and a 2022 second-rounder.

Covington was among the Timberwolves' best performers during the 18-19 season, averaging 14.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He is under contract until 2022, and he is owed $35 million over the next three seasons.

#1 Kevin Love

Kevin Love doesn't match the Cavs' current timescale

The Trail Blazers don't have enough cap space to contend for this summer's top free agents, although Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com believes that Kevin Love could be acquired via a trade:

His contract is problematic (four years, $120 million remaining) but for teams that can’t afford to outright sign free agents like the Trail Blazers, it makes some sense to try and trade for someone like Love, who doesn’t have much value for Cleveland anymore. If the Blazers pursue trading for someone like Kevin Love, Turner would likely need to be part of the package for his $18.6 million expiring deal.

Love signed a new long-term deal with the Cavs last summer, although the franchise has since committed to a rebuild. Due to this, Love is expected to be made available in trade talks this summer, although it is questionable if Portland would invest so much in a player who will turn 31 later this year.