NBA Rumors: Mavericks could lure away LaMarcus Aldridge
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Mavericks pose the biggest threat to the Portland Trail Blazers in a battle for LaMarcus Aldridge.
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Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge is headed towards free agency and could be headed out of town. Aldridge is a four-time All-Star, a three-time All-NBA player and a bonafide superstar.
A player of Aldridge’s caliber will command the attention of any team that could afford to sign him. Two teams that could be interested are the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks, teams from his home state.
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Mavericks could be the lead suitor for Aldridge.
"Of his potential suitors, league sources indicate that the Mavericks are the biggest threat to pull Aldridge away from the Blazers, but it’s the general idea of returning to Texas, not a specific destination, that appeals to him. Both the Mavericks and Spurs, of course, could have the requisite cap space, reputation of success and location."
And the Mavericks are edging out the Spurs.
"Both also may not be perfect fits. Several sources have indicated that the Spurs, for whatever reason, are either off his list or not very high on it."
Aldridge would be the heir to the throne of Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas if he were to sign there. Having a presence like Aldridge down low could allow Dirk to be more of a stretch player and prevent him from having to bang in the paint, extending his career.
It certainly would be a formidable pairing.
But don’t count out the Trail Blazers, who could offer more money to Aldridge than the Mavericks could. Bucher’s source says its more about a change of scenery than money for Aldridge, but it could all be for leverage in negotiations.