The Portland Trail Blazers have been linked to Haywood Highsmith in free agency.
The Portland Trail Blazers aren’t the flashiest free agent destination, but they may be able to make a shrewd signing or two.
Bleacher Report contributor Greg Swartz writes that a “dream” candidate for the Blazers is Heat forward Haywood Highsmith.
Haywood Highsmith would be a realistic dream target following his strong season with the Miami Heat. Portland already has a logjam at guard, and it’ll get Robert Williams III back from knee surgery next year to beef up the center position. Highsmith would give the Blazers a 6’7” wing who can play behind Grant and take over his spot if he gets traded at some point.
Highsmith shot 39.6 percent from three this past season, so he could help keep the floor open for Scoot Henderson and others to operate.
Highsmith, 27, averaged a career-best 6.1 points in 66 appearances with the Heat this past season, a sign that he is improving and could have a larger role outside of Miami.
If Highsmith signed a short deal with a team like the Blazers, he could have a larger role down the line, and it would allow him to ink another big deal when he becomes a free agent again in his late 20’s or early 30’s.
The Blazers need shooting help, and Highsmith would provide that. As a team that finished 27th in 3-point percentage, targeting shooters is key, and Highsmith is one that would help the cause without breaking the bank.
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