Post by Kasey on Jul 27, 2016 8:25:21 GMT -8
July 27, 2016 -- The Trail Blazers have likely rounded out their 2016-17 roster.
The Blazers confirmed today that restricted free agent forward Moe Harkless has agreed to a four-year, $40 million contract with team. The contract will have no provisions, nor any player or team options. There are, however incentives which could move that overall figure to $42 million.
Last week the team announced that it had extended the contract of guard and last season's NBA Most Improved Player, CJ, McCollum to a four-year, #106 million contract.
Harkless was a key player in Portland's playoff run in 2015-16, as well as during the playoffs as the Blazers advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals.
The 6'9", 215 forward out of St. John's, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Orlando Magic before being acquired in a trade by the Blazers last summer for a future second-round draft pick. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game for the Blazers, and showed his true value in the open court and on defense with his athleticism. In 11 playoff games, he averaged 11.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Harkless holds career averages of 6.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.
Harkless is the third of three restricted free agents the Blazers have now retained. They matched a four-year, $75 million (as much as $83 million with incentives) offer by the Brooklyn Nets to keep forward/guard Allen Crabbe in the Rose City. Two weeks ago, the team announced they had reached a four-year, $41 million agreement with center/forward Meyers Leonard.
The Blazers also have brought in a couple free agents in guard/forward Evan Turner and center Festus Ezeli, and traded for point guard Shabazz Napier. The team also announced earlier this week that it has signed free agent guard Tim Quarterman to a partially-guaranteed training camp contract.
Though Portland did not have a selection in the 2016 NBA Draft, they acquired the rights, and have since signed, rookie forward Jake Layman out of Maryland.
- MKM
(Photo Credit: Moe Harkless courtesy eurohoops.net)
To comment on this thread and others on this forum, please login or register.