The New York Knicks may have already covered first base in their plan to lure the biggest free-agent this summer, as reports indicated that the Knickerbockers are one of two teams that would intrigue All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge the most if he bolts out from the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Knicks front-office made it clear right after the end of their dismaying regular-season about their intention to sign the brightest stars available on the free-agency market. The 30-year Aldridge happens to be the cream of the crop in this summer’s free-agency, and many NBA insiders are expecting All-Star big man to leave the Blazers and join a ball club that would not only give him a max contract but also the opportunity to win titles.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks are one of the two teams Aldridge is seriously considering as potential free-agency destination. Well over seven months ago, the prospect of having Aldridge playing in the Big Apple was considered a long-shot scenario, with the crafty 7-footer expressing his desire to sign a five-year contract extension with the Blazers at that time. However, seeing the Blazers on the brink of another early playoff exit and Damian Lillard becoming the team’s franchise player, all directions are pointing to the inevitable: an impending divorce between Aldridge and the Blazers.
“When Aldridge told The Oregonian in July that he wanted to sign a five-year contract to remain in Portland, most league observers assumed that the Knicks had no chance to land Aldridge,” Begley stated in his report.
“But last month, two opposing executives said the belief in some league circles was that San Antonio and New York would be on Aldridge’s radar and that Aldridge wasn't as committed to re-signing in Portland as he'd been months earlier. The Blazers currently trail their first-round series with Memphis 2-0.”
According to league sources, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as the biggest threat to Knicks in their bid to acquire Aldridge. With Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili presumably having their one last run this postseason, the Spurs are preparing the way for youngster Kawhi Leonard and potentially Aldridge as their cornerstones of the franchise’s new era.