LaMarcus Aldridge will be a main target in free agency for the summer of 2015 and while he likely will stay with the Portland Trail Blazers, teams like the LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, NY Knicks and Houston Rockets could be potential targets for Aldridge, as those teams could be preparing a max contract offer for the All-Star forward.
Aldridge previously rejected a contract extension from the Blazers last year, as he is expected to sign a max deal after hitting the free agent market. According to Pro Basketball Talk, there could be a surprise team in the mix for Aldridge, as the San Antonio Spurs could be in the mix to woo Aldridge away from Portland. Zach Lowe of Grantland writes that he has heard from "a half-dozen executives" that the Spurs could try and "lure" Aldridge with a max contract this summer.
The Spurs are not usually big spenders in free agency, but with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili on their last legs, the team could look at adding a new franchise star for the future. The team already has Kawhi Leonard and is expected to keep him with a new long term deal, but they also could have the room to sign Aldridge. Many expected Aldridge to remain in Portland, as they have turned into a western conference contender, but the right contract could get him to sign elsewhere.
Lowe writes that while he does not see this move happening, the Spurs could be in position to at least make an offer, as they have been "hoarding" cap space in prep for Leonard. The team also would have to lose some players hitting the market to make it happen, but the Spurs have surprised the league before. The Blazers have Damian Lillard and look like a contender for years and that is why he likely will stay there.
Aldridge has been playing at a high level for years and over the past two seasons he has really blossomed, putting up career best numbers in scoring and rebounds. Last season Aldridge averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds per game and this year he is right in line with that again. Aldridge started all 69 games he played in last year and he has only dealt with missing significant time once in his career. Aldridge is 29 and still has many years left playing at a high level and that is why he should get a max contract on the market.
A couple years ago a trade or Aldridge leaving Portland almost looked like a forgone conclusion, as they were not a good team and the front office was a mess. Aldridge reportedly asked for a trade two summers ago, but the team did not find a deal they liked. Lowe writes that the Rockets also will be interested, but they too will have to clear some space to offer a max deal. Aldridge could fit in well with James Harden and Dwight Howard, but the max contract likely keeps that from happening. Aldridge will be a top target on the market and teams like the Lakers and Knicks will have the money to chase him in free agency.