Portland Trail Blazers: 5 potential targets in 2019 NBA free agency

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 7: Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on against the San Antonio Spurs on February 7, 2019 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Wesley Matthews

One of the all-time favorites within the Blazers fanbase, Wesley Matthews, could look to make a return to the team in 2019. Matthews played for the Blazers for five seasons before leaving in 2015 when the franchise was planning for a rebuild after LaMarcus Aldridge left for the San Antonio Spurs.

Ever since then, the Blazers have been in search of a 3-and-D wing and haven’t found one. Matthews is arguably the best one they have had in years. He loves to play defense, is a good shooter and brings energy/hustle every time he’s on the court.

At this point in his career, Matthews knows his role and what he needs to do every night to be an impactful player. For his career, he is averaging 13.7 points and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 38.2 percent from the 3-point line. He could come off the bench as the sixth man or even start at times if needed. Matthews can play both shooting guard and small forward.

He is precisely the type of player the Blazers need on their team as they build around their stars: a proven player who won’t try to do too much on the floor and helps make the game easier for the guys around him. Matthews showed he could play alongside Damian Lillard and Aldridge in the past, so playing with CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic shouldn’t be an issue either.

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