Portland Trail Blazers free agency rumor roundup No. 2
By David MacKay
April 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) controls the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
LaMarcus Aldridge
The Los Angeles Lakers’ initial pitch left Aldridge unimpressed. However, he agreed to grant them another meeting to see if they could get their priorities straight. Aldridge wants to focus on winning potential and his fit with the team, not endorsements and life style.
The Lakers will get a second meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge today in Los Angeles, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
Aldridge felt first meeting with Lakers was too focused on non-basketball (Hollywood, branding, etc) and Lakers want to rectify it.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
The Phoenix Suns, who impressed Aldridge by acquiring center Tyson Chandler prior to their meeting yesterday, have amped up their pursuit, believing themselves to be a real contender. They traded Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock, and Danny Granger to the Detroit Pistons for future draft picks. That salary dump gives them enough room to max Aldridge.
Phoenix has traded Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger to Detroit for future picks, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
The Suns have cleared $20M in salary cap space, allowing them to potentially sign LaMarcus Aldridge without the need for a sign-and-trade.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
The Miami Heat, fresh off of re-signing 11x NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, have joined the mix. Although they have not officially met with Aldridge, they are trying to set up a meeting.
Yahoo Sources: Another high-profile team is pursuing the possibility of gaining an audience with LaMarcus Aldridge: The Miami Heat.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
The New York Knicks have been crossed off the list of teams that Aldridge will consider. He cancelled his meeting with them earlier today because they wanted to play him out of position to fill their needs at center.
Knicks meeting was cancelled once it became clear NY wanted Aldridge to play center, something he is adamant against doing, per source.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 2, 2015
The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers are still believed to be the frontrunners to land Aldridge, as they have clearly defined roles in mind for him. The Spurs can also offer immediate championship potential, while the Trail Blazers can offer significantly more money.
Beyond Blazers, only contender for Aldridge that he's clear about organization, about role for him: Spurs. Everyone else, still questions.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
Next: Wesley Matthews