5 Free Agent Shooters for Trail Blazers to Target This Summer

The Portland Trail Blazers made great strides this season, making the playoffs for the first time in five years. Led by breakout superstar Deni Avdija and a solid defensive system, the Blazers are a team on the rise.

But Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report says there's something they need to do this offseason in order to take the next step:

"Avdija's downhill drives were devastatingly effective all season. Imagine how much more they'd matter if Portland had the shooting to drag help defenders out of his path." Yes, Damian Lillard will be returning to the active roster next year, but more is needed.

With that, Hughes proposes five shooters that Portland can target on the free agent market this summer:

Rui Hachimura

The Lakers forward is an unrestricted free agent. His three-point shooting has been sublime the past three years, peaking this season at an elite 44.3%.

Harrison Barnes

Julian Champagnie and rookie Carter Bryant have forced Barnes out of the rotation for these playoffs for the San Antonio Spurs, and he will hit the free agent market looking for a new home. He still shot 38.8% from three this regular season, on volume, which is pretty close to his career mark.

CJ McCollum

Lillard's longtime backcourt partner would be an intriguing option, though with Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson also in the backcourt, it could make things pretty crowded.

Norman Powell

Another reunion in the making? Powell, normally a 'two', could size up to small forward if needed, as he's done in the past. In fact, that's often where he played for two seasons with Portland a few years back. He'd bring his career 39.5% long-range shooting.

Luke Kennard

Certainly, the Lakers will try to re-sign him after the tremendous floor-spacer he's been for them this season. Kennard actually led the NBA this year in three-point shooting at an insane 47.8%.

Again, that backcourt is pretty crowded in Portland, but Kennard would be a great addition to take the pressure off Avdija.