With the possibility of losing forward LaMarcus Aldridge and center Robin Lopez in free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers added another frontcourt piece on Thursday, reaching agreement with forward Ed Davis on a reported three-year, $20 million contract.
The Blazers continued to stock up on big men after previously adding Noah Vonleh from the Charlotte Hornets and Mason Plumlee from the Brooklyn Nets.
Reports indicated Thursday that Aldridge was making a second visit to the Los Angeles Lakers and also meeting with the Miami Heat. Another report said Blazers guard Damian Lillard was planning to visit Los Angeles in an attempt to get Aldridge to re-sign in Portland.
“I think there’s a good chance that they’re going to lose LaMarcus and Lopez,” Davis told The Oregonian. “It’s definitely a team I feel like I can come in and get playing time and fight for a starting job. It’s a great fit for me.”
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Davis spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers and averaged 8.3 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field. He began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors as the No. 13 pick in the 2010 draft and was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in his third season.
In five NBA seasons, the 26-year-old Davis has averaged 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
“I’m going to go out and grind,” Davis said. “I’m not shooting a whole bunch of 3s and things like that. But I’m going to grind every night, I’m going to dive for that loose ball, get that extra possession, make a big block. I’m one of those energy guys. I’m going to bring it every night.”