The Portland Trail Blazers are looking at the most important offseason that the have come across in recent memory. After an extremely underwhelming season, where they were considered championship contenders by many, team leaders LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews will be  unrestricted free agents, as will most of the Trail Blazers roster. The Blazers have 6 contracts expiring this season, including LaMarcus Aldridge, Dorell Wright, Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Joel Freeland, and Alonzo Gee. The Blazers likely won't re-sign Dorell Wright, who has had a dissapointing few years in Portland, with extremely limited minutes. Alonzo Gee was acquired by the Blazers in the trade for Aaron Afflalo at the trade deadline, and will likely not be re-signed, allowing the Blazers to lure other free agents (or provide Aldridge and Matthews with more money) this offseason.

Aaron Afflalo

Although a shoulder injury sidelined him for the last few games of the Blazers season, and he never played with a healthy Blazer team, fans will never get to see the impact that he would have had. Afflalo has made it known that he plans to opt-out of his contract with the Blazers.

Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum's play was absolutely horrendous this season, in his third year or a four year maximum contract with the Blazers. Although it's only speculation at this point it would not be unreasonable for the Blazers to move Batum this offseason. Batum hasn't played this badly for the Blazers since his rookie season, and is well aware of the damage that it could have done to Portland's loyalty to him. When Batum was asked about the possibility of being traded this offseason, he said: “If that happens, it happens. That’s the business, I understand that. I mean, I can’t control that. All I can control is what I put on the court. I know what I am going to do this summer is try to get better.” That being paired with Olshey saying that the Blazers would be "very active" this offseason, makes this speculation seem much less outlandish.

Chris Kaman

The situation with Chris Kaman is fairly straight forward for the Portland Trail Blazers. Kaman would be overjoyed to play next season (and possibl his last) with the Portland Trail Blazers. If the Blazers want Kaman back, all they have to do is pick up his team option.

Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez seems to be the perfect fit in Rip City. There doesnt seem to be any other team that can offer him the culture of Portland (which he seems to enjoy very much). If the Blazers have the cap space available, expect to see Robin Lopez back with the Blazers.

Wesley Matthews

After an achilles injury stopped Wesley Matthews' season in it's tracks, rumors have been swirling around the guard's status in Portland. Matthews has played well with the Blazers, and it's no secret that he loves his teammates in Portland. Matthews' exit interview, however, tells a completely different story. It seems that Matthews would be willing to join any contending team that cares to make him a decent contract offer. With Aldridge also on the line this season, this is the last thing the Blazers need. Matthews' contract will obviously go up in value after his exceptional play for the last few years. If Matthews does decide to leave, it would not be surprising to see the Blazers start young guard CJ McCollum after his exceptional play in the playoffs. They will, however need to sign a backup. Note: Wesley Matthews has a $1,000,000 signing bonus that would free up if he chooses to leave Portland.

LaMarcus Alridge

LaMarcus Aldidge is obviously the Blazers' biggest concern this offseason. Although earlier in the year Alridge said that he turned down the Blazers 3 year extension offer to sign a 5 year deal this offseason, that has come into question now. League sources have said that Alridge would prefer to play in Texas, his home state, and be closer to his family. The possibility of Alridge leaving for San Antonio or Dallas seems high. Although both teams also made a first round exit, they seem to be able to offer a more proven core of players, as well as much better bench players than Aldridge has seen in Portland. If Tim Duncan retires, many people see Aldridge leaving Portland. If Aldridge stays, the Blazers will again focus on signing role players to surround him and keep the starting five together in Portland. If Aldridge leaves, the Blazers seem poised to make massive changes to their roster, centering around Damian Lillard, who in his exit interview stated that he wanted to be in Portland, and that he would do anything to make it happen. The Blazers will have an abundance of cap space available to them, to sign whichever free agent they want, for more money that anyone else can offer.

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About the author
Rishi Purohit
Head of the NBA Department at VAVEL USA