It’s no secret that the Phoenix Suns are interested in signing free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. They’ve been the odd one out in the race for the 29-year old power forward though, with bigger markets like the Lakers, Rockets, Mavericks, Spurs, and Knicks in play.
However, the Suns will do what they can to acquire Aldridge. They’ve already made some big moves in free agency so far,acquiring Tyson Chandler and signing Brandon Knight.
The expectation was that the Suns would trade away point guard Eric Bledsoe if they signed Knight. Despite reports arguing against that claim, the Suns would definitely be willing to trade Bledsoe if it meant acquiring Aldridge.
From ESPN’s Marc Stein:
As one source sagely explains: Suns certainly have player to appeal to PORT in sign-and-trade if LaMarcus Aldridge chooses PHX: Eric Bledsoe
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 1, 2015
This move would likely please Trail Blazers’ GM Neil Olshey, Stein points out.
Blazers GM Neil Olshey drafted Bledsoe for Clips. If Aldridge springs surprise & chooses Phoenix, Suns could offer Bledsoe in sign-and-trade
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 1, 2015
The Suns would have to do a sign-and-trade for Aldridge, as they don’t have the cap space to straight-up sign him. Bledsoe would be the most likely candidate to be traded in such a scenario. While Phoenix is undoubtedly the dark horse in the race for Aldridge, they have one advantage over the front-running Spurs, as pointed out by USAToday’s Sam Amick:
The notion of playing alongside Chandler is likely intriguing to Aldridge because of well-known affinity for playing at the power forward position as opposed to center. That was a point of contention during some of his time in Portland, where they eventually brought Robin Lopez aboard to play center and make Aldridge more comfortable. It likely remains an issue with each of the teams pursuing him now, as Aldridge has always tried to avoid playing at the center spot.
Aldridge may not be able to play just power forward in San Antonio, as Tim Duncan is there. The same goes for Los Angeles, as second year Julius Randle is a power forward. That wouldn’t be a problem in Phoenix. Another team where he could play power forward(and where I’ve been saying he should go for months) is Houston, where he could share the front court with Dwight Howard, and would just be a perfect fit with that team.
The Spurs are still looking like the most likely destination for Aldridge, and by a wide margin. But the Suns are making a final push here, and who knows? Perhaps they’ll succeed.
