The Portland Trail Blazers need to have an extensive list of available veteran minimum free agents for when the negotiations can officially begin Monday, August 2nd. The Blazers have a restricted financial flexibility to work with to enhance their roster. Outside of minimum contracts and their mid-level exception, they’ll have to make trades to acquire any more talent.
I’ve covered a few possible mercenaries to target with either veteran minimum deals or the MLE, but there’s always a slew of affordable players that hit the market each year.
With free agency set to officially begin, let’s take a look at the top three options at each position that we haven’t covered yet.
Ish Smith, Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers Veteran Minimum Free Agent Targets: Point Guards
1. Brad Wanamaker
Brad Wanamaker is an unexciting, but solid backup point guard. He plays acceptable defense, has decent size at the position, and can create for himself and others. While he won’t win any games for the team, he probably won’t lose them either.
His outside shot abandoned him in his third season last year, so he should be available for a minimum contract. If the Blazers can acquire him and his shooting returns to the 36 percent clip he displayed in 2019-2020 with the Boston Celtics, they’ll be getting a steal.
2. Ish Smith
Ish Smith has supplied double digit points off the pine three out of the last six years. At 32 years old, he’s still one of the fastest players in the league with the ball in his hands. While it’s not ideal to add another small guard to the Blazers roster, Smith does provide effort on defense and a consistent slashing threat that Portland needs.
Adding Smith’s ability to put pressure on the rim from any spot on the court would open up the floor for the Trail Blazers attack. It’ll also speed up their lethargic offense.
He’s a willing passer who averaged just under four assists in 21 minutes per night for the Washington Wizards last season. Surrounding him with shooters on the bench unit would ensure that the Blazers offense keeps rolling when the starters need a breath.
3. Jeff Teague
After averaging double digit points for nine straight seasons, Jeff Teague did himself no favors last season. He’s lost more than a step or two and isn’t getting to the rim with the same frequency as he did with the Atlanta Hawks. Still, Teague has turned himself to a great outside shooter and has the veteran savvy to find his open teammates.
Last season he averaged 2.4 assists in a little over 17 minutes per game, while stroking nearly 44 percent of his triples. He’d be a welcome addition to the Blazers bench on the vet’s minimum.
Portland Trail Blazers: 3 best bargain bin free agents at each position - Rip City Project
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