Offseason Preview: Portland Trailblazers

Portland Trailblazers (44-38)

*Photo via Getty Images

Recap:

The Portland Trail Blazers exceeded expectations last year as they went from a likely lottery team to a playoff team. They even managed to advance over the hobbled Los Angeles Clippers to the second round. This was all accomplished despite losing 4/5 starters from the 2014-2015 roster. Their season however came to an end at the hands of the Golden State Warriors in a memorable “I’m back” game from MVP Stephen Curry. Damian Lillard and company had a spectacular season nonetheless.

Free Agents:

Allen Crabbe (RFA)

Maurice Harkless (RFA)

Meyers Leonard (RFA)

Chris Kaman (UFA)

Gerald Henderson (UFA)

Brian Roberts (UFA)

Who Leaves, Who Stays:

*Photo via CSN

Brian Roberts, Gerald Henderson and Chris Kaman will likely not remain with the team. The Blazers will likely use some of that cap space to keep young players such as Maurice Harkless, Allen Crabbe and possibly Meyers Leonard.

Team Needs:

*Photo via Oregonlive

The Blazers have solid building blocks with Lillard and C.J McCollum, now they need to build around the talented backcourt duo. They’ll likely try to sign a center, while trying to bolster a bench that was abysmal last season. The Blazers have cap space, so expect them to address their bench issue while possibly adding a big name free agent.

Possible Targets:

*Photo via AJC

The Blazers (and mostly every team) will try to make a run at Kevin Durant this offseason. As well, they’ll likely give a look ti Hassan Whiteside, Al Horford and Joakim Noah to better themselves around the rim and on the glass. If they miss out on the higher end players look for them to turn to players such as OJ Mayo, Jason Terry, or Mo Williams to bolster their bench scoring.

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