San Antonio Spurs Remain Likely Landing Spot for LaMarcus Aldridge

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LaMarcus Aldridge
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat remain in contention for free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are one of the favorites. Unluckily for those four teams, the San Antonio Spurs continue to be the likely landing spot for the power forward.

The Lakers received a second meeting with Aldridge after several reports indicated he was severely unimpressed with what they had to offer. Heat president Pat Riley worked his magic by garnering a dinner with Aldridge, but Miami would have some serious work to do in the form of dealing players if they wanted the financial capability to sign him. Even though the Mavericks have peaked Aldridge’s interest, there is no evidence to support them being a legitimate contender for his services.

After re-signing Brandon Knight, inking a deal with free agent Tyson Chandler and dumping salary on Thursday, the Suns have quickly emerged as a team Aldridge is seriously considering signing with. If Aldridge does decide Phoenix is where he wants to play, the Suns will still have to get rid of more contracts to create cap space. Clearly, that will be a good problem to have.

With all of the teams in motion, the Spurs remain the likely team to sign Aldridge to a monster contract. The 29-year-old “has tons of respect” for head coach Gregg Popovich. More importantly, he is impressed with how the organization has consistently been a championship contender. The cherry on top is he will be able to play for a professional team in his home state.

With Tim Duncan returning for a 19th season, and recruiting Aldridge in the process, the Spurs would be the heavy favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals next season with the potential new recruit on the roster. Despite San Antonio’s championship window closing, the addition of Aldridge could mean one more shot at a ring.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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