Victor

Claver

The Blazers hold the rights to both players, but they are still under contract with their European teams, which could complicate a move to the NBA. The Blazers met with the the duo last week and both sides have expressed interest, and there is room on the roster for both of them. But whether or not they can get out of their contracts and work out the details of a move to the NBA remains to be seen.

Claver has a $600,000 buyout in his contract with Valencia Basketball, and the Blazers had been eager to sign him in advance of this season beginning. He didn’t wow anyone with his production in Europe, but he is a big man who is capable of shooting the basketball.

Claver has reportedly expressed interest in coming to Portland next season previously, so it’s possible he’s really hoping for a way to join the Blazers. His contract in Europe can be bought out for $760,000.

“I think the roster is in a position now where (Claver) would be a good addition,” said Blazers GM Neil Olshey. Claver is a deep threat (36.4 percent from downtown) but his numbers with Valencia last season don’t exactly jump off the page -- in 25 minutes per game, he averaged 8.4 points (42.0 percent FGs, 62.7 percent FTs), 3.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.3 assists and 2.0 turnovers.

G.M. Neil Olshey is excited about his outlook, saying “Victor is a player with a high basketball IQ who will come in as a good complement to our roster. He defends well for his size, has a nice shooting touch, and we look forward to having him on board.” Some folks think Claver has a chance to start next season, but there’s a much better chance he’ll come off the bench as a rookie.

According to a press release from Valencia, Claver is now “free to continue his career” elsewhere, although there is no report of whether or not he was bought out for $600,000. The Blazers have yet to comment, but it looks like Claver will be on the Blazers’ roster on opening night. They drafted him in 2009 and he’s 6'9" and a good shooter, although he didn’t put up monster numbers in Europe.

Claver’s deal is fully guaranteed with no options, and GM Neil Olshey has already sung some of his praises to date. He should be a part of the rotation immediately, but his exact role is to be determined.

Claver has been playing in Spain since being drafted in 2009, and like many unproven players at the end of the Blazers bench he will have a chance to crack an extremely shallow rotation. At this point, however, there’s not enough for owners to grab onto to consider Claver for fantasy purposes.

Victor Claver will be active for the Blazers to help them on the wing, but he won’t get enough playing time to matter in fantasy leagues. Ronnie Price has played well so far this year and has logged some minutes at shooting guard while backing up super-rookie Damian Lillard.

Claver is irrelevant in fantasy owners, so this news should not impact your league.