1. Do the Suns have a realistic shot at LaMarcus Aldridge?
Gerald Bourguet: Nope. If Aldridge is going to leave Portland this summer, it’s going to be so he can join a team that will give him an immediate shot at a title. He’s 30 years old and the whole reason he’d leave Rip City is that he no longer believes the current core will be able to contend for a championship. Phoenix has a nice young core, but the San Antonio Spurs sit atop a list of superior options for Aldridge.
Scott Chasen: Well my first response is no. My second response is no. My third, fourth and fifth responses are also no. As is my sixth response. Is it possible? Sure. Is it likely? Not at all. Right now there are too many other interested teams for me to even get a little bit excited about this, so I’ll say the Suns have a 1ish% shot.
Spencer Hann: Realistically? The Suns have a 10-15 percent chance of landing the All-Star. Yes, the Suns can offer the money, a great city to live and a young talented team but if we are being frank, can you really picture someone picking the Suns over the San Antonio Spurs or even the Dallas Mavericks? Me neither. One can always dream though!
Eric Saar: If by realistic, you mean the Suns will probably get a sit down or call with Aldridge then yes. Will he sign with Phoenix, probably not. Unless something drastically happens to the Suns roster, Aldridge would be moving laterally to basically the same situation. If he’s not moving to a better position, he might as well stay in Portland. That eliminates Phoenix from contention.
Mark Harris: LaMarcus Aldridge will be playing in one of these three cities: Portland, San Antonio or Dallas. Key fact with both of those teams is that they both made the playoffs and won at least 50 games this past season. Phoenix did neither and in my opinion if Aldridge leaves he will go to a ready-made contender. Remember, Aldridge will be 30 by next season, so he probably does not want to be part of a rebuilding project, not to say the Suns are rebuilding, but they certainly aren’t a contender yet. Moreover, Aldridge is from Texas so it would make sense to go home for him. On the other hand, if he stays in Portland, he will have a great chance to go down as the greatest player in Blazer history. I just don’t see Phoenix as a destination for him.
Next: Question No. 2