The Portland Trail Blazers could find themselves in a difficult position this offseason. With several players hitting free agency and several others with player options in their contracts, the Trail Blazers could be losing a lot of talent this summer and could enter a rebuilding process should multiple people leave. If someone like LaMarcus Aldridge opts to exit, will everyone else follow?
The Oregonian has already reported the Trail Blazers are likely losing Aldridge to free agency. That does not mean Aldridge will not re-sign with Portland, but the power forward has every intention of testing the market. The Trail Blazers can offer him a bigger contract to work with, but they lack the talent to get past the first-round of the playoffs. With teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers pushes a contract towards Aldridge, the Trail Blazers will need to convince him they can build a talented team.
The issue is that half the team in place is looking for more money and possibly other teams. According to USA Today's Sam Amick, Wesley Matthews is preparing to opt out of his contract and will seek a multi-year deal worth $15 million per season. Matthews is healthy after a season-ending Achilles injury and has the numbers to earn a big contract. If Portland does not off the deal, someone else will and if Matthews leaves, Aldridge is sure to follow.
Arron Afflalo is the other Portland star aiming to opt out and get a bigger contract. While Afflalo failed to make much of an impact during the 2014-15 season, it is another body the Trail Blazers are losing this offseason. Robin Lopez will also be testing the market and Portland is quickly being left with very little outside of Damian Lillard.
Aldridge could be the crucial piece to get players to return in 2015. Several teams are targeting the star including the Houston Rockets with a sign-and-trade deal. Aldridge made it clear that he is looking to sign with a winning team. If Portland can prove talent will be on the roster in 2015, the forward could opt to stay put. Aldridge already turned down one contract offer from the Trail Blazers, but any other team can only offer around $27 million less than Portland can in a contract. With a majority of his family living in Texas, Aldridge looks all but out from Portland. However, the Oregonian believes that if Matthews re-signs than the forward might as well.
