The Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns are interested in free agent center Cole Aldrich, sources tell Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times. Aldrich’s team this past season, the Los Angeles Clippers, are also in the mix:
Center Cole Aldrich not only will have interest from Clippers to return, but Orlando and Phoenix have expressed interested, source.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 29, 2016
Cole Aldrich was selected #11 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by New Orleans. Aldrich, who is coming off what could be his best season yet in the league, spent the majority of the season serving as a back-up to DeAndre Jordan.
In just 13.3 minutes per contest, Aldrich averaged 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on the season.
Phoenix, who signed veteran Tyson Chandler last summer, is looking for a fresh start. The Suns have been contemplating trading either Brandon Knight or Eric Bledsoe for much of the season, and just hired a new head coach last month. For Chandler, he’s uninterested in being a part of a franchise looking to rebuild.
““For me, especially where I am in my career, I want to win, and I want to win now”, Chandler told Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic back in March. “I’m not in any kind of rebuilding stage. So if that’s the case, it ain’t where I’m supposed to be.”
If the Suns were to trade Tyson Chandler (unlikely, but possible), that could potentially open a hole that would be filled by Aldrich.
For Orlando, the franchise is seeking talent that can improve its present day roster. Already interested in the likes of Chandler Parsons, Jamal Crawford, and others, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to hear their name involved with another free agent. Last week’s draft night deal and multiple deals throughout the season confirmed the obvious: Orlando has finished its rebuilding project and is now hoping to contend in the East next season. An addition of Cole Aldrich to back-up Serge Ibaka and Nikola Vucevic would help bolster its chances.
The Clippers, who had Aldrich on a bargain deal this past season, reportedly hope to re-sign the 27-year old. One of the league’s most underrated centers in Aldrich, you could expect other interested teams besides these three to emerge once free agency gets closer.
