A year ago, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that LaMarcus Aldridge would be spending the remainder of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. After an unfortunate injury to Wesley Matthews and a disappointing first round playoff exit against the Memphis Grizzlies, however, Aldridge and the Blazers could be at a crossroads.
To be clear, Aldridge is not on poor terms with the team where he’s spent all nine of his NBA seasons. But as many superstars do once they reach their 30s, LMA could surveilling the field, looking for a more ideal situation that will allow him to compete for a title before his prime is over.
Does Portland fit that category? Could currently crappy teams like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers sneak in and steal his attention with a mega offer? With the Blazers, Aldridge could make a maximum of $109 million over five years. Anywhere else, the best he could do is $81 million over four years.
Bearing that in mind, it’s unlikely that money is the sole determinant here. If Aldridge wants to leave Portland, it’ll be so that he can join a team that’s ready to win titles now.
But what teams fit that category AND have the capability of clearing enough cap space to sign him? We’re still months away from free agency, but in the interest of being prepared for his possible departure (which, The Oregonian reports those odds may be close to 50-50), here’s a look at the five best free agency destinations for LaMarcus Aldridge.
Just Missed The Cut: Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns
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