Aldridge’s Priorities
From a basketball perspective, Aldridge is a great fit for the Suns. Unfortunately for Phoenix, the Suns aren’t a great fit for Aldridge. When you take a look at what’s on LMA’s priority list, it’s hard to see how he’d choose Phoenix over any of the other suitors that present a stronger case.
Entering his 30s, Aldridge’s top priority is finding a team where he can legitimately contend for a title. It’s the only reason he’d abandon his campaign to become “the best Blazer ever” and sign elsewhere, especially since he’d be turning down around $28 million to leave Portland.
It’s also worth noting that when fully healthy, the Trail Blazers were a fringe title contender. To be honest, the only reason Aldridge is looking elsewhere is the amount of instability facing this team this summer.
Wesley Matthews is an unrestricted free agent and is coming off the kind of frightening Achilles injury that has ended the careers of many a superstar before him. Robin Lopez is an unrestricted free agent. Damian Lillard is eligible for a mega-extension and will probably get it regardless of what happens with Alridge. Arron Afflalo is intent on testing free agency and next season, Nicolas Batum will become a free agent.
Add that to the overwhelming sense that Lillard has become the poster boy for this franchise and it’s no wonder Aldridge might consider leaving. But if he does, it will more than likely be to a contender that can offer him something close to a max deal.
Next: LMA's Options