From Bobby Marks:
Portland Trail Blazers
Below the tax: $7.9 million
Below the first apron: $14.3 million
(Note: The Trail Blazers intend to use more than 100% of the expanded traded player exemption. They are now hard capped at the first apron.)
Because of the expiring contracts of Anfernee Simons, Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III and Deandre Ayton, Portland was a wild-card team entering the offseason. Simons was eventually traded for Celtics guard Jrue Holiday and has Portland positioned to compete for at least a play-in spot.
Two internal moves to watch are extensions for Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara. The latter was named All-Defensive second team last season.
Team needs:
3-and-D forwards and wings
Free agents who fit:
De'Anthony Melton,
Javonte Green,
Gary Payton II,
Amir Coffey,
Gary Trent Jr.,
Bruce Brown,
Lamar Stevens,
Delon Wright,
Riley Minix,
Jabari Walker,
Ziaire Williams,
Taurean Prince,
Trey Lyles
One move I would make:
Sign Camara to a four-year, $87 million extension.
Under contract:
Ayton, Holiday,
Jerami Grant,
Deni Avdija,
Williams III,
Thybulle (P),
Scoot Henderson,
Donovan Clingan,
Sharpe,
Kris Murray,
Duop Reath,
Camara,
Rayan Rupert (T) and
Yang Hansen
Key free agent:
Walker (R)
Other free agents:
Rupert
Dalano Banton