The Portland Trail Blazers big trade of the summer was if course bringing in star guard Ja Morant for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. They went on to sign Center Branden Carlson and Micah Potter. They let Matisse Thybulle walk away. Is there a move left to be made this summer?
They sit with their 15th spot open and an unbalanced roster. It’s weighed heavily to one side with guards and to the other with big men, while they are a bit light in the middle.
We could see the Blazers go into training camp with the roster the way it is. Guys like Vit Krejci and Micah Potter could play the back up power forward spot while Sharp takes back up small forward. Jrue Holiday has even been tossed out there as someone who can play forward in a three guard lineup.
But, as the smoke has cleared from LeBron James’ latest decision(what is it now…20.0), there are still some free agents the Blazers could go after to complete their roster.
The Blazers could bring back Nicolas Batum for a last hurrah. The veteran forward was trade to the Blazers on draft night 2008 and spent seven years with the Blazers. His defensive presence and career 37% shooting from three could help the Blazers fill a few holes.
Jonathan Kuminga, the 6’7 high flying swing man would bring strong athleticism and help anchor the Blazers bench. He isn’t a great three point shooter and would help with that issue, but he could provide some solid minutes while the starters rest.
Other free agents out there the Blazers could go after include Jeremy Sochan, former Blazer Trendon Watford, Ben Mathurin, DeMar DeRozan, or Bruce Brown.
The Blazers could also wait and invite players to training camp to earn the last spot, or even just leave it open, test out the roster they already have, and wait till the trade deadline to make any more moves.
While the Blazers could make another trade before the summers end, this seems less likely. They could still make a move for Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, who was connected to trade rumors at the start of the summer and has been rumored to be on the market. He would be a solid fit for Portland, but would likely cost Shaedon Sharpe or Scoot Henderson.
The Blazers could pluck Peyton Watson away from Denver in a sign and trade. While the Nuggets were adamant they would match any offer for the restricted free agent, after matching the Thunder’s offer to keep Spencer Jones, they find themselves over the second apron and in luxury tax territory. They may be more willing to move him in a sign and trade. The 6’8 3 and D swingman would be perfect for the Blazers. He’s young and still hasn’t reached his ceiling, even after a career best fourth season.
More likely probably, if the Blazers do sign or trade for another player before the summer is out it will likely be for someone not even on the radar. That has been their M.O. They sweep in and get guys who weren’t even being talked about. That could be the case again.
Though, if I were betting, I would put my money on the Blazers letting training camp invitees vie for the last spot or just leaving it open.
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