Phoenix Suns: Don’t Hold Your Breath On LaMarcus Aldridge

LMA’s Other Options

Phoenix’s allure as a free agency destination pales in comparison to some of the other top options LaMarcus Aldridge will have available to him.

At the top of the list sits the team that Suns fans hate above all others — the San Antonio Spurs. The defending champs got bounced in the first round, but they were up against the only team as hot as they were entering the playoffs and they still pushed it to a Game 7 without home-court advantage.

Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili returning for another year would complicate things, especially since the Spurs have so many free agents, but if LaMarcus Aldridge is truly interested in joining the Spurs, as ESPN’s Marc Stein says he is, this is going to happen.

As a Dallas native, the Dallas Mavericks are in play. The Houston Rockets would have to clear out some major cap space to bring him in, but a trio of James Harden, Dwight Howard and LaMarcus Aldridge would be way more enticing than babysitting the young Suns.

The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks aren’t great teams, but the allure of playing for such historic franchises — plus max level money — would probably have a bigger sway than Phoenix would. The Trail Blazers shouldn’t be counted out and the Atlanta Hawks — a team that would provide an easier path to the Finals coming from the East — could make room for him by letting Paul Millsap walk.

With so many upcoming free agents this summer, it’s hard to project where Aldridge winds up. But there are still plenty of superior options for Aldridge, a guy who wants to win a championship before his prime is over. Bearing that in mind, the Suns may not even be on his radar in free agency.

Next: Conclusion