Report: Blazers' Freeland doesn't expect qualifying offer, anticipating free agency

Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland fully expects to become an unrestricted free agent this summer as he doesn't foresee the team giving him a qualifying offer, according to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The 28-year-old British backup played in 48 games for Portland this season, averaging 3.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 12.9 minutes as the third-string center behind Robin Lopez and Meyers Leonard.

A $3.8-million qualifying offer would make Freeland a restricted free agent, allowing Blazers management to match any offers that come his way.

He suffered a partial tear of his right rotator cuff following a block attempt on Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford on January 3, costing him 23 games.

Freeland finished 15th in the NBA in defensive rating among players that appeared in at least 45 games at 96.8.