By dealing Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby at the trade deadline, the Blazers gave themselves the flexibility to eventually acquire a star to put alongside LaMarcus Aldridge. Interim General Manager Chad Buchanan told Mike Tokito of The Oregonian that he'll be looking to land either a one- or two-guard to pair with the big man this offseason.
“I feel like that’s what we need on this team to take the next step,” Buchanan said. “We need another high-caliber, top-30 player in the league, preferably in the backcourt, with LaMarcus, who we already have in the frontcourt.”
Buchanan estimates the Blazers could be between $15MM to $20MM under the cap this summer, although that number go as low as $12MM and as high as $27MM, depending on a variety of factors. While the GM obviously cannot discuss specific players, he did say that he would prefer that a second star player be close in age to Aldridge, who turns 27 in July.
With Nets star Deron Williams set to exercise his Early Termination Option, the Blazers should at least have the chance to court the top-tier point guard. For a complete look at this summer's free agent class, check out our comprehensive list.