This summer, the Blazers will have to address the free agency of three starters: LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez. Now, you can add another name to that list: sixth man and trade-deadline acquisition Arron Afflalo. NBA.com’s David Aldridge reports that Afflalo will opt out of the final year of his deal, which would have paid him $7.75 million:
Per sources, G Arron Afflalo expected to opt out of '15-'16 ($7.75M) to become UFA. Obv key for Portland 2 re-sign w/Wes Matthews rehabbing.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 22, 2015
The Blazers traded for Afflalo to come off the bench, but he was forced into a starting role shortly thereafter following the season-ending Achilles injury to Matthews. In 25 games with the Blazers, he averaged 10.6 points per game and shot 40 percent from three-point range. Teams all over the league who need help on the wings will certainly be giving him a look, and he would be helpful for the Blazers to re-sign as well, given Matthews’ uncertain status both as a free agent and with his injury.
