The Blazers signed restriced free agent Wesley Matthews to a 5-year, $34 million contract. The Utah Jazz had 7 days to match, but with the addition of Raja Bell they have elected to let Matthews go.The Breakdown
Matthews was probably the biggest sleeper of 2009-10. He went from undrafted rookie to the starting SG in Utah, a veteran team that made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. In the month of April, Matthews averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Those are very solid all-around numbers.
Unfortunately, Matthews is going to a team loaded with quality wing players. With All Star Brandon Roy established as the starting SG, Matthews will almost certainly come off the bench. He'll have to compete with Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez, and possibly Luke Babbitt for minutes. It's really unclear where all these players will fit into the rotation, but with the glut of wings it seems likely the all kill each other's value.
While Matthews was a great story last year, next season he's someone you have to stay away from at this point unless the Blazers make more moves.
