LaMarcus Aldridge (Photo : REUTERS)
Arguably the best free-agent soon to be available on the free-agency market this summer, LaMarcus Aldridge will receive multiple offers with the most lucrative ones coming big market ball clubs like the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
However, Bleacher Report scribe Ric Bucher has doubts Aldridge will ever wear purple-and-gold or blue-and-orange, as he believed the big man would not sacrifice a considerable amount of money for a rebuilding big market franchise.
"The Lakers and Knicks are not considered viable options, league sources said, because Aldridge isn't likely to sacrifice $27 million-the difference between a max five-year deal with the Blazers and a four-year deal with anyone else-to join a rebuilding team in a bigger, more expensive market," Bucher opined in his latest article on Bleacher Report.
Both the Lakers and Knicks will be armed with the firepower in the form of cap space to sign a max contract player like Aldridge this summer. However, these ball clubs are prohibited to offer just a four-year deal compared to the Blazers, who can put $27 million more on the table.
Although the Blazers aren't sure if they can retain their best front court player, Aldridge's camps don't view the Lakers and Knicks as viable options because of the heavy tax on this states that would just eat up his money.
According to Bucher, the Dallas Mavericks are emerging as the most preferred destination for Aldridge because it has a well-balanced makeup of veterans and youth in its roster. With star player Dirk Nowitzki entering the final years of his career, Aldridge would be the next man up to shoulder the franchise over the next four to five years.
Aldridge's homegrown connection to Big D and the absence of state income tax in Texas are viewed as keys for the Mavericks to land the biggest free-agent this summer after missing on elite stars the past five seasons. The San Antonio Spurs are expected to throw their name as another possible suitor for Aldridge, but Bucher stressed the Mavs are in better position right now.
