Haynes: Joel Freeland Doesn't Expect Blazers to Extend Qualifying Offer

Trail Blazers Center Joel Freeland does not expect Portland to submit a qualifying offer this summer, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Chris Haynes. If Freeland is not given a qualifying offer by June 30, he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Haynes, who worked as CSNNW.com's Blazers insider until September 2014, tweeted the following earlier today:

#Blazers C Joel Freeland doesn't expect to receive qualifying offer, I'm told. Big man anticipates becoming unrestricted free agent.

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 18, 2015

If the Blazers were to follow through with the qualifying offer, which would be worth $3.8 million, Freeland would consequently become a restricted free agent, permitting Portland to match any offer that another team presents him. However, if Freeland does indeed become an unrestricted free agent, it's significantly less likely that he will be wearing a Blazers uniform come next season.

Freeland, 28, was drafted by the Blazers in 2006 and has played in Portland for the past three seasons. The "British Bulldog" has created a niche in the league as a scrappy, physical defender and rebounder who exhibits relentless intensity and hustle. In 2014-15, Freeland averaged 3.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 48 games while battling a shoulder injury.

[Hat tip to lillardtaimu, who posted this first in the Fanshots]