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NBA free agents 2019: Potential fits at forward for the Blazers

Portland has two open roster spots and minimum salaries with which to sign free agents. Here's a look at some forwards the Blazers could sign in free agency.
Credit: John Amis
Houston Rockets forward Kenneth Faried dunks during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in March 2019.

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.

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