On Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs made two moves that will work to facilitate a contract agreement with free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. First, the Spurs re-signed Danny Green to a four-year, $45 million contract. Next, San Antonio agreed to send Tiago Splitter to the Atlanta Hawks to open up cap room for Aldridge’s max contract. These moves now cement the Spurs as front-runners for the NBA‘s most valued free agent.

Before getting into several rumors that have been reported just hours into free agency regarding Aldridge, it is important to note that Green took a massive pay cut in re-signing with the Spurs. This offseason, Green was expected to receive his biggest payday ever. Compared to other free agents who have been signed this offseason like Khris Middleton and DeMarre Carroll, Green’s new contract looks like a steal. Because of Green’s unselfishness, the Spurs may just be able to retain him and still have enough money for Aldridge, something that seemed unlikely just hours before the contract agreement.

Along with Green taking less money to stay in San Antonio, the Spurs sent away Splitter, making the rest of the league feel as if Aldridge to San Antonio is a lock. As Zach Lowe reports, a number of rival executives are beginning to think that the Spurs will soon be reaching an agreement with Aldridge. This makes sense, as San Antonio was always considered to be one of the best options for Aldridge.

Although Aldridge was rumored to be interested in the Los Angeles Lakers, Adrian Wojnarowki of Yahoo! Sports noted that the “Lakers didn’t make strong impression in Aldridge” and that he “is expected to make decision fairly soon.”

If Aldridge is indeed choosing the Spurs over the Lakers and numerous other suitors, he is choosing the option that gives him the best chance to win. With Aldridge, San Antonio can make another run at an NBA championship. With the Spurs, Aldridge will be teaming up with Kawhi Leonard, giving San Antonio a duo that can help the team avoid a rebuilding process. It also sounds as if Tim Duncan will be coming back for at least one season, making the Spurs a viable candidate in the 2016 NBA Finals.

Nicholas Sciria is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Nick_Sciria, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.