Why LaMarcus Aldridge should sign with the Phoenix Suns

LaMarcus Aldridge has narrowed his list of potential suitors. Here is why he should sign with the Phoenix Suns.

When free agency began in the NBA, everyone was convinced that LaMarcus Aldridge was going to either the Los Angeles Lakers or the San Antonio Spurs. Well, the Lakers are out and the Spurs are still reported to be one of the front runners for his services.

However, there was a surprise team that jumped into the mix that has many feeling like they could be the favorites to sign Aldridge. That team is none other than the Phoenix Suns.

Under the regime of current general manager Ryan McDonough, the mission of the front office was to build and collect assets so that when a star player becomes available, they can have a chance to acquire them. While the asset collecting may be better served toward a trade, it has allowed them to create flexibility and add some talented players to their roster that has made them a lot more appealing in the eyes of free agents.

Two years ago, when McDonough took over in Phoenix, the Suns surprised everyone and finished 48-34, while just missing the playoffs. Last season, off-season moves like Isaiah Thomas as the backup point guard didn’t turn out, and the team shipped off disgruntled point guard Goran Dragic. The team remained competitive until late in the season as they fought for a final playoff spot, but they eventually bottomed out and finished 39-43.

Still, it should be noted that the Suns lost several close games, including five heartbreaking buzzer beaters, that could have been the difference between a playoff spot. This off-season, the team drafted Devin Booker, re-signed Brandon Kinght, signed Tyson Chandler and shipped off the troubled Marcus Morris as they continue to fix the roster.

Re-signing Knight and Chandler are perhaps two big moves that could potentially be the moves to help them put themselves over the top in the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes. When the Suns met with Aldridge earlier this week, the team reportedly brought the house in their meeting.

Since then, the Suns have been considered right there with San Antonio in the battle for his services, and that has brought an excitement to the valley of the sun that hasn’t been felt in quite some time. Aldridge signing would be a renaissance of competitive basketball in Phoenix, where the organization has the fourth highest winning percentage of any franchise.

Having missed the playoffs for the past five seasons, the Suns are desperate to get back and reclaim a fan base that has been suffering since the beginning, as the team has climbed the mountain many times just to fall short. With excitement in the air, and Aldridge reportedly very interested in the Suns, here are five reasons why he should choose the Phoenix Suns as his next home.

Next: Reasons 1-3