Report: Wesley Matthews looking for $15M per year
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Unrestricted free agent Wesley Matthews isn't just looking for a multi-year deal, as reported Sunday, the shooting guard is seeking approximately $15 million per season, according to USA Today's Sam Amick.
Matthews was adamant over the weekend the devastating Achilles injury that ended his season won't hold him back, and he's ready for an increased role in addition to a long-term deal, according to Jason Quick of the Oregonian.
Matthews - who earned $7.2 million last season - has returned to basketball activities, and was even seen taking one-legged jump shots in pregame warmups during the Portland Trail Blazers' brief NBA Playoffs appearance. He was knocked out for the season after tearing his left Achilles tendon March 5 against the Dallas Mavericks.
It was brutal timing for the solid two-way guard, who was entering free agency as one of the league's most underrated players. While $15 million may sound high, it could ultimately be viewed as palatable, assuming Matthews is healthy - and given the coming 2016 jump in the NBA salary cap.
The six-year veteran is expected to remain a priority for Portland, where he remains a fan favorite. However, questions about how much the Blazers are willing to invest in him post-injury persist, even as fellow wing Arron Afflalo reportedly opted out and rumors swirl about LaMarcus Aldridge's future with the team.
Matthews, who will turn 29 in October, has averaged just under 16 points and 2.4 assists on 39 percent 3-point shooting over the last three seasons.