It is not all losses for the Portland Trail Blazers as they acquired free agent forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who had flourished during his stint with the Dallas Mavericks in last season's playoffs.
Aminu, 24, and the Blazers reached an agreement Tuesday during the first hour of free agency, according to ESPN.
The free agent confirmed the deal on Twitter: "Headed to Portland with my guy Neil Olshey, who believed in me since day one. Much love Rip city here I come."
According to a source of ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne, Aminu agreed to a four-year, $30 million deal with the Blazers.
Aminu inked a minimum salary deal with the Mavericks but opted out of the second season of his pact with the team to be a free agent this summer.
In 74 regular season games during the 2014-15 season, Aminu averaged 5.6 points (tied for career-low) and 4.6 rebounds. Aminu improved his performance as the Mavericks reached the postseason with a 50-32 regular season record.
Unfortunately, the Mavericks were eliminated in the first round by the Houston Rockets in five games, although Aminu averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.6 blocks and two steals per game in the series.
In other Blazers news, the team and All-Star point guard Damian Lillard are reportedly near to reaching a maximum five-year contract extension deal that will be worth around $120 million.
Marc Stein of ESPN said the Blazers were willing to pay Lillard the maximum amount and make him their designated player.
Lillard, 24, helped the Blazers last season to a 51-31 regular season record as they reached the playoffs only to lose to the Memphis Grizzlies in five games. The point guard averaged 21 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals last season.
Portland already made roster moves by acquiring guard Gerald Henderson and forward Noah Vonleh from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for long-time forward Nicolas Batum. The Blazers are also expecting to lose All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge this free agency.
