According to reports, the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to pursue former No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett after he was bought out of his contract by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although the Trail Blazers can certainly afford to absorb his contract if they claim him off waivers, it’s not clear if it’s in the team’s best interest.
Bennett played well for the Canadian national team this summer under Trail Blazers assistant coach Jay Triano, but there’s no guarantee that he can carry that momentum to the NBA. He’s disappointed in his first two seasons, and if he joins the Trail Blazers he will be competing against a loaded frontcourt of superior talent.