The 2014 NBA Free Agency Rumors & Predictions is already on full steam for the teams that have been eliminated. The Portland Trail Blazers finished the season on a bright note but will they improve?

The Blazers exceeded expectations from their team when they made it to the second round in the ridiculously competitive Western Conference. They were at the top of the entire NBA for a while and then hit a slump that almost got them out of the playoffs. But they recovered just in time to keep the 5^th seed and eventually upset the ambitious Houston Rockets.

The biggest question for the Blazers is LaMarcus Aldridge. He is their best player who demanded a trade just a season ago. But after a blazing start, he wants to get a contract extension.

What team would not give him an extension, especially after his monster playoff performance? The Blazers actually-but the reason is not what you think. ESPN explains:

"Aldridge wants to be a Blazer. He's made that pretty clear. 

But his last deal wasn't quite a max deal, which limits the size of the extension he can receive. So Portland might be forced to wait until after Aldridge plays out the final season of his contract at just over $16 million and hits free agency on July 1, 2015. 

The summer of 2015 looks like it's going to be a huge one for the Blazers, with not only Aldridge's free agency to handle but also the max extension that looms for Lillard. The scary part there for the Blazers, of course, is what potentially happens to Aldridge's sunny outlook if the Blazers backslide in any way next season."

That opens some risk though. What if they have a bad season and Aldridge decides to test the waters? The risk is double-edged for Aldridge as well.

They need a strong penetrating guard or swingman, but they don't have enough cap space to attract someone like Luol Deng-who refused the 10 million/year extension from the Bulls. They don't have a draft pick this year-it was top 12 protected and it now goes to Charlotte.

With their little cap space, they should try to extend Robin Lopez, who was a revelation in the playoffs and was vital to Aldridge's breakout as he took away the defensive load from his shoulders.

They need to play as well, or better than last season to keep Aldridge. They would have cap space and first round pick in 2015. But for now, they don't have too many choices.