Dallas Mavericks Expected To Pursue LaMarcus Aldridge
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to use their max money to pursue perhaps the top NBA free agent in 2015, Portland Trail Blazers‘ big man LaMarcus Aldridge
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Seemingly every season since winning the NBA title in 2011, the Dallas Mavericks have created cap space in order to pursue top tier free agents.
They have struck out on point guard Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets), center Dwight Howard (Houston Rockets) and forward Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks), but did convince forward Chandler Parsons to sign an offer sheet with the Mavericks in the offseason. The Mavericks had to over pay, giving Parsons a three-year deal worth about $43 million to make sure the Rockets wouldn’t match.
However, because of expiring contracts and the huge hometown discount legendary forward Dirk Nowitzki gave them, the Mavericks will once again have cap room to pursue a max player in 2015.
Memphis Grizzlies‘ center Marc Gasol is an intriguing option and the Mavericks very well may make a run at him but they also plan to pursue Portland Trail Blazers’ big man LaMarcus Aldridge, according to Eddie Sekfo of the Dallas Morning News.
"Having said that, Nowitzki made it clear that teaming up with Aldridge would be something compelling to him, even though they play the same position.And yes, even though Aldridge has stated his desire to return to Portland and cement himself as the greatest Blazer of all time.“I think I’ve showed in my career that I can play with anybody in this league,” Nowitzki said, clearly warming up to the idea. “In some situations, he’s playing the five [center] when they go small, so …”He didn’t have to finish the thought. Great players love playing with other great players. And at this point in his career, there is no doubting Aldridge’s greatness."
Yes, it is a long shot, especially since Aldridge has a fantastic young running mate in point guard Damian Lillard, but Aldridge is a Dallas native and played for the Texas Longhorns, so it can’t be completely ruled out.
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