Dorrell Wright - 3.0 M
Robin Lopez - 5.3 M
Wes Matthews - 7.2 M
LaMarcus Aldridge - 15.2 M
Joel Freeland - 3.0 M
Alonzo Gee - 1.0M
*per hoopshype.com
Add to that the 7.75 million player option for Arron Afflalo which he is widely expected to opt out of, and the 5 million team option for Chris Kaman. The number is a staggering 47.45 million dollars! The general manager Neil Olshey has consistently made the Portland team better each offseason during his reign, but this coming summer will be his biggest challenge because of the number of expiring contracts. Moreover, none of the players mentioned above are guaranteed to return to Portland.
Wright's productivity was short-lived because of his unfortunate hand injury.
Matthews, who seemed to have locked himself into the starting lineup for years to come, went down in a crippling Achilles injury that has defeated many historic NBA greats.
Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo were reduced to bench roles during the playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies in favor of the unexpected rise of young Meyers Leonard and CJ McCollum.
Now here is a deadlock problem that Olshey must solve: what free agents Portland pursues depends on Aldridge's decision to sign an extension with Portland, but Aldridge will wait to see Portland's player movement before deciding that Portland will provide him with the best team to win the championship with.
Many GM's have failed to convince their superstars to return. Most recently, LeBron James left the beautiful Miami beach despite the team's effort and numerous player movement to plead for his service. Dwight Howard left behind the city of Los Angeles and the billboard ads asking him to stay. The mission becomes more difficult for small market teams like my beloved Portland Trailblazers. It's strange why I have absolutely no fear going into this free agency mayhem.
Here is the question that keeps me up at 4 in the morning: what's that first domino piece? The intensity of NBA free agency is unparalleled among all other offseasons of pro sports because it is the league where one player movement can make the most impact to the league. In order to make this Portland team appealing to Aldridge, Olshey needs to make a splash. It could be a big free agent signing or a blockbuster trade, but you can be sure that Portland has already set its eyes on some great players. I stay awake at night with imaginary scenarios battling in my head. Below are some examples.
- Could Roy Hibbert be convinced to opt out of his player option and resurrect his career in Portland as a dominant defensive center again? How about other centers like Brook Lopez, Deandre Jordan or Greg Monroe?
- What's with all the Batum trade rumors? Could we see an upgrade in the SF position?
- McCollum is too short for a starting SG position, and Matthews will not be the same guy next year. Isn't Lou Williams an unrestricted free agent? Dywane Wade has a player option...
And here are some scenarios where Aldridge could leave.
- If Kevin Love opts in, the idiots in Cleveland would love to sign-and-trade for Aldridge and give us a Portland-grown all-star power forward and a few assets in return.
- The vacancy in the starting lineup of Portland has to be a tantalizing opportunity for most power forwards out there. Paul Millsap is a UFA.
And then here are some reality checks.
- Free agency is never as chaotic as predicted.
- Portland must be careful with new contracts because of the upcoming Lillard, Leonard re-signing.
So here is my prediction.
PG. Damian Lillard
SG. Wes Matthews
SF. Nicolas Batum
PF. LaMarcus Aldridge
C. Meyers Leonard
6. CJ McCollum
7. Chris Kaman
8. Allen Crabbe
9. Tim Frazier
10. Steve Blake
NEW GUYS
11. Brandon Bass
12. 2015 1st Round Pick
13. Marcus Thornton
14. some vet that plays once every 3 games || Joel Freeland
15. some vet that plays once every 10 games
25 extra million dollars salary was the reason Carmelo Anthony stayed with the awful Knicks, and will be enough to convince Aldridge against the Texas teams that all failed to succeed in this playoff. Matthews will be cheap but limited to high 20 or low 30 MPG, which can be managed by a team with an explosive combo guard coming from the bench. Bass and Thornton are some of the battle-tested veteran PF and SG that fit the need in Portland and will be hitting the market this summer. All signs lead to a roster similar to the one today.
I always pray for chaotic summers in the NBA, and this year has a great potential for one. Although I prepare myself for the above roster I remind myself again and again that Olshey is the man that brought Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland is in a good position to land a third all-star on its roster.
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