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LaMarcus Aldridge: Top 5 Free Agency Destinations

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) before game four against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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LaMarcus Aldridge
Jan 3, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is defended by Atlanta Hawks forward Pero Antic (6) during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Atlanta Hawks

Hear me out. Though the Hawks haven’t really been mentioned much in this budding Aldridge conversation, they’d make far more sense for LMA than half the teams that are being mentioned (looking at you, Lakers, Knicks and Celtics).

For one thing, joining the Hawks would move Aldridge to the East, giving him a far easier path to the NBA Finals than he’s ever had out West. But unlike the Celtics or Knicks, he wouldn’t have to wait through a rebuilding project.

Atlanta has only $39.2 million on the books for next season, which means they have some flexibility. Paul Millsap, DeMarre Carroll and Pero Antic all become unrestricted free agents this summer, but if the Hawks could find a way to get Aldridge and keep Carroll, they should absolutely do so.

Swapping Millsap for Aldridge would certainly come with some adjustments for both LMA and the Hawks. Atlanta’s offense is predicated on ball movement and Millsap’s a more advanced three-point shooter. Aldridge, talented as he is, can be a bit of a ball-stopper at times, which doesn’t make him a perfect fit in Mike Budenholzer’s system.

That being said, Aldridge vastly improved his range this past season and LMA is an individual upgrade from Millsap. Under the 2014-15 Coach of the Year, I’m sure the Hawks would find a way to utilize Aldridge’s superstar talents in a much easier conference.

Next: No. 3