PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers have three ways to improve the roster for the 2019-20 season: the NBA draft, free agency, and trades.
Portland drafted North Carolina small forward Nassir Little with the 25th pick of the draft. The Blazers used their taxpayer midlevel exception to re-sign Rodney Hood, and signed two new free agents, Mario Hezonja and Anthony Tolliver, to minimum deals.
Portland made two trades, first shipping Evan Turner to the Atlanta Hawks for Kent Bazemore, and then trading Maurice Harkless and Meyers Leonard in a deal that brought Hassan Whiteside to Portland.
The team let Al-Farouq Aminu (Orlando Magic), Enes Kanter (Boston Celtics), Seth Curry (Dallas Mavericks) and Jake Layman (Minnesota Timberwolves) leave in free agency.
Here's a look at a projected depth chart for the Blazers with their current roster:
- Point guard: Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons
- Shooting guard: CJ McCollum, Kent Bazemore
- Small forward: Rodney Hood, Mario Hezonja, Nassir Little
- Power forward: Zach Collins, Anthony Tolliver, Skal Labissiere
- Center: Hassan Whiteside, Jusuf Nurkic (injured)
The Blazers now have two open roster spots and minimum salaries with which to sign free agents. They could also make trades to fill out the roster.
On Wednesday, July 17, Jason Quick of The Athletic reported that Portland will add one more player this offseason, and it will be a center.
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Below, we take a look at free agency fits at forward for the Blazers. This list was written before the start of free agency and has been updated with all of the signings since June 30.
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The projected salary for each player comes from ESPN's Bobby Marks.
Available free agent power forwards
TREY LYLES
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23 (turns 24 on November 5)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.5 points, 3.8 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game with the Nuggets. Played in 64 games (2 starts). Shot 41.8% from the field and 25.5% from the 3-point line. Two seasons ago, he shot 49.1% from the field and 38.1% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
KENNETH FARIED
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220
Age: 29 (turns 30 on November 19)
2018-19 stats: 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, in 19.7 minutes per game with the Nets and Rockets. Played in 37 games (13 starts). Shot 58.9% from the field and 32.0% from the 3-point line. Thrived with the Rockets after mid-season acquisition, averaging 12.9 points, 8.2 rebounds in 24.4 minutes per game, shooting 58.7% from the field and 35.0% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
JONAS JEREBKO
Height: 6-10
Weight: 231
Age: 32 (turns 33 on March 2, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 16.7 minutes per game with the Warriors. Shot 45.9% from the field and 36.7% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
CHEICK DIALLO
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 22 (turns 23 on September 13)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game with the New Orleans Pelicans. Played in 64 games (1 start). Shot 62.0% from the field. Not a 3-point shooter.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
CARMELO ANTHONY
Height: 6-8
Weight: 240
Age: 35 (turns 36 on May 29, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 13.4 points, 5.4 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game with the Houston Rockets. Played in 10 games (2 starts). Shot 40.5% from the field and 32.8% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
OTHER OPTIONS
Jarell Martin, Luol Deng, Lance Thomas, Marquese Chriss, Udonis Haslem, Ekpe Udoh, Dragan Bender, Dante Cunningham, Ryan Anderson, Jon Leuer, Christian Wood
Free agent power forwards who have agreed to terms
JAMYCHAL GREEN
UPDATE: Green agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, with a second-year player option.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 227
Age: 29 (turns 30 on June 21, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 9.4 points, 6.3 rebounds in 21.1 minutes per game with the Grizzlies and Clippers. Played in 65 games (6 starts). Shot 48.3% from the field and 40.3% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $8-10 million
NOAH VONLEH
UPDATE: Vonleh agreed to a one-year, $1.9 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 250
Age: 23
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists in 25.3 minutes per game with the Knicks. Played in 68 games (57 starts). Shot 47.0% from the field and 33.6% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
MIKE SCOTT
UPDATE: Mike Scott agreed to a two-year, $9.8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 237
Age: 30
2018-19 stats: Averaged 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game with the Clippers and 76ers. Played 79 games (3 starts). Shot 40.0% from the field and 40.1% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON
UPDATE: Hollis-Jefferson agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors. Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 217
Age: 24 (turns 25 on January 3, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game with the Brooklyn Nets. Played in 59 games (21 starts). Shot 41.1% from the field and 18.4% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
FRANK KAMINSKY
UPDATE: Kaminsky agreed to a two year, $9.7 million deal with the Phoenix Suns.
Height: 7-0
Weight: 242
Age: 26
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game with the Hornets. Shot 46.3% from the field and 36.0% from the 3-point line. Career 34.9% from 3.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
TAJ GIBSON
UPDATE: Gibson agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the New York Knicks.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 232
Age: 33
2018-19 stats: Averaged 10.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 24.1 minutes per game with the Timberwolves. Played 70 games (57 starts). Shot 56.6% from the field. Not a 3-point shooter.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
MARKIEFF MORRIS
UPDATE: Morris agreed to a two-year, $7.4 million deal with the Detroit Pistons.
Height: 6-10
Weight: 245
Age: 29
2018-19 stats: Averaged 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 21.9 minutes per game with the Wizards and Thunder. Played in 58 games (16 starts). Shot 42.1% from the field and 33.5% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
MIKE MUSCALA
UPDATE: Muscala agreed to a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Height: 6-11
Weight: 240
Age: 28
2018-19 stats: Averaged 7.0 points, 3.8 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game with the 76ers and Lakers. Shot 40.2% from the field and 34.8% from the 3-point line. Career 36.5% from 3.
Projected starting salary: $3-6 million
ANTHONY TOLLIVER
UPDATE: Tolliver agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 250
Age: 33
2018-19 stats: Averaged 5.0 points, 2.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game with the Timberwolves. Played in 65 games (no starts). Shot 38.2% from the field and 37.7% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
Available free agent small forwards
FURKAN KORKMAZ
Height: 6-7
Weight: 190
Age: 21 (turns 22 on July 24)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game with the Philadelphia 76ers. Played in 48 games (7 starts). Shot 40.0% from the field and 32.6% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
THABO SEFOLOSHA
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 35 (turns 36 on May 2, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 3.8 points, 2.5 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game with the Jazz. Played in 50 games (2 starts). Shot 47.7% from the field and 43.6% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
JONATHON SIMMONS
Height: 6-6
Weight: 195
Age: 29 (turns 30 on September 14)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists in 19.0 minutes per game with the Magic and 76ers. Played in 56 games (9 starts). Shot 38.0% from the field and 26.9% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
OTHER OPTIONS
Justin Anderson, Corey Brewer, Quincy Pondexter, Sam Dekker
Free agent small forwards who have agreed to terms
JEFF GREEN
UPDATE: Green agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Utah Jazz.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 235
Age: 32
2018-19 stats: 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 27.2 minutes per game with the Wizards. Played 77 games (44 starts). Shot 47.5% from the field and 34.7% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
DEMARRE CARROLL
UPDATE: Carroll agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 215
Age: 32
2018-19 stats: Averaged 11.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 25.4 minutes per game with the Nets. Played 67 games (8 starts). Shot 39.5% from the field and 34.2% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
TREVOR ARIZA
UPDATE: Ariza agreed to a two-year, $25 million deal with the Sacramento Kings.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 215
Age: 33
2018-19 stats: Averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes per game with the Suns and Wizards. Shot 39.9% from the field and 33.4% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $6-8 million
STANLEY JOHNSON
UPDATE: Johnson agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Toronto Raptors.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 245
Age: 23 (turns 24 on May 29, 2020)
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals in 18.3 minutes per game with the Pistons and Pelicans. Played in 66 games (7 starts). Shot 38.9% from the field and 28.8% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
JAMES ENNIS
UPDATE: Ennis agreed to a two-year, $4.1 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 210
Age: 28
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.7 points, 3.1 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per game with the Rockets and 76ers. Played 58 games (27 starts). Shot 46.9% from the field and 35.3% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
DANUEL HOUSE
UPDATE: House agreed to a three-year, $11 million deal with the Houston Rockets.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
cassAge: 25
2018-19 stats: Averaged 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist in 25.1 minutes per game with the Rockets. Played in 39 games (13 starts). Shots 46.8% from the field and 41.6% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
DARIUS MILLER
UPDATE: Miller agreed to a two-year, $14.3 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 29
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 25.5 minutes per game with the Pelicans. Shot 39.0% from the field and 36.5% from the 3-point line. He's a career 42% field-goal shooter, including 38.2% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
DORIAN FINNEY-SMITH
UPDATE: Finney-Smith agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 220
Age: 26
2018-19 stats: Averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 24.5 minutes per game with the Mavericks. Shot 43.2% from the field and 31.1% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
WILSON CHANDLER
UPDATE: Chandler agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 32
2018-19 stats: Averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 23.1 minutes per game with the 76ers and Clippers. Played 51 games (33 starts). Shot 41.8% from the field and 37.3% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: $4-6 million
GERALD GREEN
UPDATE: Green agreed to a one-year minimum deal with the Houston Rockets.
Height: 6-7
Weight: 205
Age: 33
2018-19 stats: Averaged 9.2 points, 2.5 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game with the Rockets. Played 73 games (no starts). Shot 40.0% from the field and 35.4% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
MARIO HEZONJA
UPDATE: Hezonja agreed to a two-year, $3.7 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Height: 6-8
Weight: 225
Age: 24
2018-19 stats: Averaged 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 20.8 minutes per game with the Knicks. Played in 58 games (24 starts). Shot 41.2% from the field and 27.6% from the 3-point line.
Projected starting salary: Minimum
Jared Cowley writes about the Trail Blazers and other topics for KGW.com. He's also the co-host of the 3-on-3 Blazers podcast (listen here). You can reach him on Twitter @jaredcowley.
