Report: James Southerland Signs One-Year Deal with Portland Trail Blazers

Former Los Angeles D-Fenders player James Southerland has signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to RealGM.com. The swingman went undrafted in 2013, but signed a training camp contract with Charlotte and earned their final roster spot.

Southerland played four games in the NBA last season -- one with Charlotte and three with the New Orleans Pelicans -- and scored 14 points in a total of 29 minutes. Between his stints with Charlotte and New Orleans, the young gun was claimed by the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBADL in late December 2013, where he showed his true talents in capable minutes.

Southerland appeared in 42 games for the D-Fenders and averaged 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds, shooting 50% from the floor and 32% from three. He's known as a shooter, but his 6-foot-8 frame gives him the ability to get to the rim and slam home the rock down low as well.

This summer, Southerland played for the Pelicans' Summer League squad and averaged 4.5 points, hitting 2-of-9 from three. His performance wasn't the best, but he showed enough over the course of his time with the D-Fenders to prove he may be able to help an NBA roster in the coming future. Perhaps the Blazers agree with such a suggestion.