Tap here to view theScore's NBA offseason tracker, which includes the 2015 draft order, and latest transactions and rumors.
Wesley Matthews isn't going to let an Achilles injury derail his offseason plans.
After yet another tremendous season with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 29-year-old Matthews is looking to cash in as an unrestricted free agent this summer. He wants a multi-year contract and a bigger role on offense in what is likely his last chance to earn a significant contract.
Matthews opened up about his offseason plans in an excellent feature with Jason Quick of the Oregonian.
"A big part in where I land is me being a more focal point of the offense, a focal point of the team, the organization," Matthews said. "Because I feel like I've earned that. I feel like my body of work speaks for itself." ...
"If I wanted to sign a one-year deal right now, I think I would be giving teams the wrong feeling, sending the wrong message," Matthews says. "I want them to know I'm endorsing myself ... that I know I'm fine."
When healthy, Matthews is one of the best two guards in the league. Matthews isn't flashy, but he's an excellent two-way threat. He boasts a career 3-point percentage of 39.3 percent and has canned 543 treys since 2012. Matthews can also play in the post and is a tenacious defender.
The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on a true-shooting percentage of 58.6 before he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in early March. Since then, Matthews has been consumed by his rehab.
The Blazers would love to retain Matthews. Quick notes that both owner Paul Allen and general manager Neil Olshey are rather fond of Matthews. They understand how important Matthews has been to the Blazers in their recent turnaround.
"Wes brings more to the table than 17 points and 39 percent shooting from three,'' Olshey said. "He brings so many intangibles on the court, in the locker room, on the airplane. He is a guy who unites.''
However, the Blazers find themselves at a crossroads. Several core pieces are slated to become free agents. Matthews, Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo, Dorell Wright and, mostly importantly, LaMarcus Aldridge can all leave Portland this summer.
"We don't know where they stand," Matthews said. "Obviously, we know their prime goal is (Aldridge), which makes sense. But what is their secondary goal if their prime goal doesn't work? And where do I fit into that secondary goal?"
Regardless, whether his future lays in Portland, or in a new destination, Matthews is focused on getting what is rightfully his.
"My whole career has been scratch, claw, fight. Scratch, claw, fight ... earn a little bit ... scratch, claw, fight ... earn a little bit," Matthews says.
"I feel like it's time now."
