LaMarcus Aldridge is the most popular man on the free agent market as teams continue to play the waiting game on whether or not he plans to sign with them. Since the start of free agency, the power forward has been making several visits with teams as players and celebrities alike have tried recruiting him to their team. Several hhave already bowed out. The Lakers, Boston Celtics and Kings have admitted defeat. So now the question is who becomes the frontrunner for Aldridge as he is expected to make a decision soon?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the race of Aldridge is down to the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns. The Spurs made a huge impression on the forward. They came into the meeting with Tony Parker and Tim Duncan while having just re-signed Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. They are immediate playoff contenders in what will again be a very competitive Western Conference.
If there was any doubt, Duncan has made it clear he is returning for another season in the league with the Spurs. The veteran center has re-upped for next season after Mike Monroe of the Express News tweeted that Duncan said, "I'll be on the court next year." If Aldridge was having doubts as to who else would be on the roster, the positions appear set. So is San Antonio a done deal or did Phoenix throw a twist into the situation?
According to AZCentral.com, the Suns are stronger contenders for Aldridge than originally believed. The team came into the meeting have re-signed Brandon Knight while getting Tyson Chandler under contract. Having Alex Len also at center means Aldridge would be played exclusively at power forward which could entice his decision. The x-factor for the Suns was the presence of Eric Bledsoe who has been facing trade rumors. Having him with Aldridge could be deadly on the court next year.
Aldridge also took a meeting with the Toronto Raptors. According to Wojnarowski, they should not be overlooked simply because they have stars like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan along with the newly signed DeMarre Carroll. They have a strong roster and playing in the East means they could be around come playoff time. Aldridge could be the last piece to the championship puzzle for the team.
