Free agent forward Ed Davis is joining the Portland Trail Blazers, on a reported three-year deal worth $20 million.
Despite several indications that he’s leaving, the Blazers continue to hold out hope that All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge will return next season.
Davis, 26, averaged 8.3 points, a career-high 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 79 games with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.
Per Yahoo! Sports:
The Davis agreement allows the Blazers to maintain flexibility on still re-signing All-Star free agent LaMarcus Aldridge and starting center Robin Lopez.
The Blazers still have a team option of $5 million on center Chris Kaman’s contract that it could waive to clear space.
If Aldridge leaves in free agency, Davis gives them a power forward to move into the starting lineup. With Aldridge, he becomes a significant rotation player on a contending team. The Blazers plan has been to try to re-sign Lopez, should Aldridge decide to return to Portland. […] Davis’ deal continues a reshaping of the Blazers roster that includes adding Brooklyn Nets center Mason Plumlee, young Charlotte Hornets forward Noah Vonleh and guard Gerald Henderson. General manager Neil Olshey is walking the delicate line between preparing for a rebuild without Aldridge, or moving directly back into contention with Aldridge returning to anchor the team.
