Three Teams Emerging As Finalists For Free Agent LaMarcus Aldridge

+Read full article
Getty Images
Getty Images

After what’s been a wild and crazy first day of NBA free agency, LaMarcus Aldridge remains the biggest prize still available on the market. After spending most of the day meeting with teams, it looks as if Aldridge will be deciding between three teams: the San Antonio SpursPhoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Once it looked likely that Aldridge would not return to Portland, the Spurs quickly emerged as the favorites to land the four-time All-Star power forward. He’s from Texas and the Spurs would without a doubt present him with the best chance to win a title.

San Antonio re-signed Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard earlier in the day and Tim Duncan plans on returning for what will likely be his final season. The impending retirements of Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich is likely the only deterrent.

Out of nowhere, the Suns have entered the Aldridge sweepstakes. After signing Tyson Chandler to a four-year, $52 million contract earlier in the day, the Suns have no more cap space to offer Aldridge.

A sign and trade with Portland is the only scenario which results in the big man playing for Phoenix in 2015. The logic behind why Aldridge would choose the Suns still isn’t clear, but they look like a real threat.

After looking like they were completely out of it, the Trail Blazers have thrown their hat back into the ring. Since being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in 2006, Aldridge has played his entire nine-year career with the team.

Portland has one huge advantage over the rest of the NBA. While other teams are only able to offer Aldrige a four-year, max contract, the Blazers are able to offer an extra fifth year, making the contract worth $110 million.

This will without a doubt be a tough decision for Aldridge. It’s anyone’s guess which of these teams he’ll sign with, but the decision will have a major impact on the rest of free agency, so make sure to stay tuned. The fun is just getting started.

Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. “Like” him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon