Possible Destinations for LaMarcus Aldridge

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

           With the NBA Draft finished and free agency looming, LaMarcus Aldridge has some important decisions to make. The 29-year-old Power Forward has led the Portland Trailblazers into the playoffs in a powerful western conference since he was drafted in 2006. While he has always expressed love for Portland, Aldridge hasn’t come close to winning an NBA title in his 9 year professional career. In 2012, the Blazers selected Damian Lillard with the 6th overall pick and found a new face to the franchise. While Aldridge continued to increase his level of play, his abilities started to be overshadowed by the hype surrounding Lillard and the Blazers. At this point in his career, LaMarcus needs change and that’s exactly what he’s seeking this summer.

New York Knicks

The Knicks are clearly in a rebuilding stage and will take on any talent that they can reach. Most big names in the Free Agency pool have been targeted by the Knicks, whether they’re interested or not. Aldridge hasn’t expressed explicit interest in joining the Knicks, but his talents would result in a huge payload from the basketball mastermind, Phil Jackson. While the Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis, a talented power forward/center, Porzingis can be transitioned into a Center and LaMarcus could easily fit into the triangle offense. The Knicks may win a championship immediately, they have the potential to explode in the weaker Eastern Conference with the right talent and a stroke of luck

Dallas Mavericks

           Aldridge is a native of Dallas, so returning to his hometown and playing for the Mavericks is a strong possibility. The Mavericks are desperately in need of some change. While Aldridge may seem like a great option in theory, Dirk Nowitzki is going to be the starting power forward for the Mavs until he retires which won’t be for a few years. Another problem with the Mavs is that they have no defined guard rotation with Monta Ellis and Rondo leaving. They need to fix their guard rotation before signing a second starting power forward. They cannot offer a max contract to Aldridge and they definitely cannot promise to win in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers

           Like the Knicks, the Lakers are pursuing the majority of the big name free agents, including LaMarcus Aldridge. Playing alongside Kobe would be an honor for Aldridge, but besides that, there isn’t much upside to playing for the Lakers besides a massive contract. If Aldridge wants to make a lot of money, he should pursue the Lakers as an option. They cannot offer winning, but they can offer a positive future. After drafting Ohio State phenomenon D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers have set up for the future with their latest acquisition. Adding Aldridge could save them from continuing the terrible downfall they faced last season

Houston Rockets

           Every summer the Houston Rockets pursue a new free agent in order to make title run. They continue to make their way into contention with James Harden and Dwight Howard rising as one of the best duos in the league. The Rockets are a rising team, but they’re missing a solid starting Power Forward to increase their level of play in order to become real championship contenders. LaMarcus Aldridge needs to consider the Rockets if he want to win games and contend, but he’d also have to be giving up a lot of ball possession. James Harden will always be the primary ball handler in Houston, and Dwight Howard will always be the second option. Aldridge is too skilled to be a third option, but Houston can give him money and wins.

San Antonio Spurs

           After a devastating loss in game 7 of the first round to the Clippers, the Spurs need to make a change in order to contend for one last title in the Duncan era. The Spurs are predicted to offer Kawhi Leonard a max deal before figuring out what the next step in Free Agency will be. Danny Green and Marco Belinelli are both unrestricted free agents who were critical to their 2014 title run. Bringing Aldridge to the Spurs would be an incredible addition, but it is definitely going to cost the Spurs some players. Aldridge would fit great with Gregg Popovich’s rotation, allowing Duncan to rest more and allowing Aldridge to stay healthy. San Antonio could make a championship run while also giving Aldridge a great contract. 

           LaMarcus Aldridge has proven himself as one of the best bigmen in the league. He averaged 23.4 PPG on 46.6% shooting along with 10.2 RPG. After arguably the best year of his career, Aldridge has shown that he's ready and eager for a championship ring. While he may not have decided which team he'll sign with next, one thing is for sure: The choices LaMarcus decides in the next week can make or break his legacy as a whole.

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