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The Portland Trail Blazers have made their first moves of the post-LaMarcus Aldridge era official.
The team announced the signings of Al-Farouq Aminu and Ed Davis early Thursday as the free-agent moratorium was lifted. Aminu's deal is for four years and worth a reported $30 million, while Davis's is believed to be a three-year, $20-million pact.
While the moves were agreed to before Aldridge opted to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, the Blazers targeted Aminu and Davis with a clear eye toward a future without their mid-range maestro.
The 24-year-old Aminu had his prime seasons purchased on what should be a tradeable deal, and team president Neil Olshey highlighted that the Blazers believe Aminu still has more upside to his game.
"Farouq's energy, athleticism and developing skill set will have a significant impact on our roster," Olshey said. "His versatility on the defensive end is unique and will translate immediately. His ceiling as a player is very high and his best days as a player are still ahead of him."
He produced modest averages of 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 18.5 minutes with the Dallas Mavericks last season, but his impact was not - Dallas was 4.2 points per 100 possessions better with Aminu on the floor.
Aminu is best deployed as an undersized power forward, but his lack of shooting - he's a 28.6 percent career 3-point shooter - limits him from taking full advantage of those scenarios. Instead, it's Aminu's defensive flexibility and ability to rebound from either forward spot that makes him valuable.
The 26-year-old Davis can split time between power forward and center and is coming off his best season as a pro, suggesting further upside of his own.
Congrats to Ed Davis on signing his 3-year deal with the Portland. Excited to see Ed take his next step in his NBA. pic.twitter.com/wYFnDvcSZD
— David Bauman (@DavidABauman) July 9, 2015
He averaged 8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, shooting 60.1 percent from the floor and standing as one of the few Los Angeles Lakers to realize that defense is still required when under .500. He was also the fourth-best rebounder among available free agents, finishes well around the rim, and mixes up his undersized-center game with surprising quickness.
The Blazers also acquired center Mason Plumlee and power forward prospect Noah Vonleh in draft-week deals, completely retooling their big man rotation.
