LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the names headlining the upcoming free agency class as a number of team are willing to give the forward exactly what he wants. Currently the face of the Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge reportedly has one foot out the door and is simply waiting to see what other offers come his way this offseason. With many teams lining up for a meeting, do the Dallas Mavericks stand the best chance at winning him over?
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks have the best chance of pulling Aldridge out of Portland. Frist and foremost, Aldridge is from Texas, so the Mavericks get the hometown vote. The San Antonio Spurs are also hoping to bank on the "coming home" aspect of free agency, but the younger roster of the Mavericks is reportedly more enticing to Aldridge than teaming up with Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili who maybe each have one season left. The Los Angeles Times is reporting the Lakers could be out as a landing spot as well considering their roster leaves a lot to be desired at the moment.
The Mavericks will be aggressive in free agency which is what Aldridge wants. The forward is looking to join the team that best gives him the chance to win. That might not be the Trail Blazers after the team suffered another early exit in the playoffs. Aldridge has already rejected on contract offer from Portland as he aims for a max contract. According to the Oregonian, the Trail Blazers might not offer him that deal. Dallas will.
The Mavericks have their sights set on a number of players in hopes of landing at least one or two of them. According to the Dallas Morning News, Marc Gasol could sign a max deal with Dallas while the team is also aiming to get a sign-and-trade deal for DeAndre Jordan that would see Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton heading to the Clippers. If any of those options work out for Dallas than a deal for Aldridge might not get offered.
Dallas also has to be concerned about a departing Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo. Team sources believe Rondo is out regardless while Ellis is still considering opting out of his option for more money. Ellis saw his stock rise this season and he could easily capitalize off it. However, staying in Dallas with a player like Jordan or Aldridge getting added could mean the Mavericks are contenders once again.
