As expected, LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the more talked about names in this summer’s free agency pool. Aldridge has begun to raise eyebrows this week with reports that he sold his home in Portland as well as being sighted in Boston, since the Celtics are one of several teams expected to pursue Aldridge.
Other teams expected to make a push at Aldridge this summer are the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers, but according to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, it’s very possible that neither team will end up in the running:
The Lakers and Knicks are not considered viable options, league sources said, because Aldridge isn’t likely to sacrifice $27 million—the difference between a max five-year deal with the Blazers and a four-year deal with anyone else—to join a rebuilding team in a bigger, more expensive market.
Of his potential suitors, league sources indicate that the Mavericks are the biggest threat to pull Aldridge away from the Blazers, but it’s the general idea of returning to Texas, not a specific destination, that appeals to him. Both the Mavericks and Spurs, of course, could have the requisite cap space, reputation of success and location.
At 30 years old, Aldridge is still a potential cornerstone for any franchise, as he’s been for Portland. His teammate Wesley Matthews will also be exploring free agency come July 1, which will expectedly have an impact on Aldridge’s decision. Aldridge played in his home state at the University of Texas in college. The Mavericks or Spurs present him with a homecoming scenario, and each with a refreshing opportunity at competing for a title.
Both also may not be perfect fits. Several sources have indicated that the Spurs, for whatever reason, are either off his list or not very high on it. And the question concerning Dallas is: Does an aging Dirk Nowitzki truly give him a better chance of competing for a title? Dallas, sources say, is clearly interested, but where he sits on its priority list is not clear.
What’s especially interesting is that Aldridge would be the predecessor of an all-time great power forward whether in San Antonio or Dallas. Tim Duncan’s immediate future with the Spurs is still unknown, and Dirk Nowitzki is still kicking, but this would be an opportunity for both teams to re-build with a younger, talented forward.
Aldridge is one of a few key free agents that will have plenty of options come July 1, but his seem to be narrowed down.
