2. LaMarcus Aldridge
Phoenix has always felt like an unrealistic free agency destination for LaMarcus Aldridge. Like Millsap, Aldridge will be 30 years old by the time the 2015-16 NBA season starts. Bearing that in mind, he probably would prefer to play for a team that has a better shot at a title like (unfortunately) the San Antonio Spurs.
However, it’s worth noting that the Suns are one of seven other teams to secure a sit-down with LMA. McDonough pledged the Suns would be aggressive in their pursuit of this summer’s biggest names; so far, he’s keeping his word.
So, LaMarcus visit order again, starting Tue at 9 PDT: LAL, HOU, SA, PHO, DAL, TOR, NYK. (No need 2 meet with POR; they're already offered.)
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 30, 2015
Last season, Aldridge averaged a superstar-esque 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field. He also added a semi-respectable three-point shot to his arsenal, knocking down 35.2 percent of his 1.5 three-point attempts per game. He’d be a terrific pick-and-pop option with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight and would help the Suns out on the glass.
Phoenix represents the best mix of being the face of the franchise, getting paid and being on a competitive team that fits his playing style from Aldridge’s perspective. That being said, the allure of playing for a franchise like the Knicks or Lakers, the temptation of being closer to home in Dallas and the attraction of playing for a championship caliber team in San Antonio or Houston might outweigh Phoenix’s pitch.
I’d be extremely surprised if San Antonio’s party of Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan failed to lock him in. Aldridge would be a great fit in Phoenix, but given his age, it also wouldn’t be the end of the world if the Suns missed out on him amid so much competition.
Next: No. 1