IT’S ALL HAPPENING (MAYBE)
Who knows, it might all be a smokescreen. But holy hell LaMarcus Aldridge is interested in the Raptors?
LaMarcus Aldridge plans to give the Raptors a meeting this week, sources tell RealGM. Aldridge has interest in TOR, which has max space.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2015
Sources confirm report from @shamscharania that the Raptors are now in line to get a sitdown with LaMarcus Aldridge. As for the Rockets …
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2015
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
O.K. Deep breaths. Let’s run down Aldridge’s options.
There is no shortage of suitors for Aldridge. The 29-year-old is reportedly interested in returning home to Texas, where all three teams (Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks) have the financial flexibility to facilitate such an addition. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are also interested in the same way I’m interested when I roll into a bar unshaven and with sweatpants on — it’s not happening. Portland is also an option, but reports suggest Aldridge has already informed them that he’s leaving, although Blazers general manager Neil Olshey vehemently denied such rumors.
And here comes the lovable underdogs; the new wild card in the chase for Aldridge.
If the Raptors renounce the rights to their free agents (Amir, Lou, Hansbrough, Hayes, Fields, etc), Toronto could have as much as $22-23 million available. That’s more than enough to accommodate the addition of Aldridge, who will almost certainly command a maximum offer. This was all made possible by the Greivis Vasquez trade, which is looking better and better.
Be still my beating heart. The Raptors have hope, but it is scant.
One might ask, “Why would Aldridge join the Raptors?” It’s a fair question. And the best answer I have is that the Raptors are a team on the rise in a hilariously weak Eastern Conference. Aldridge fits a need in Toronto and his addition would likely vaunt the Raptors into contention for the conference crown. Not to be overlooked, but Aldridge hates playing center and we have yung Jonas to fill that need.
God dammit I’m getting way too excited. Let’s look at it from Aldridge’s perspective.
Look, there’s no downside for Aldridge in hearing a pitch. The Raptors’ management will show him everything the 6ix has to offer. The weather is shit, but the city is great. The roster is iffy, but Aldridge is the kind of superstar who can make it all work. Bump DeRozan and Lowry down a notch on the pecking order, and this is a very good team. Plus we got Drake! What does San Antonio have besides a championship culture, a stacked roster, a mastermind on the sidelines churros?
Curse you, Colangelo. We could have had this years ago, but nah. You had to swing for Bargs.
Yeah. Let’s not go here again.
Alright. What about Aldridge? Are we sure he’s worth the max?
Slow your roll. Aldridge is a four-time All-Star as a forward in the Western Conference. He can shoot from anywhere and he’s a load to handle in the post. He loves midrange jumpers, but it’s more than possible to build an elite offense around him. Portland proved that many times over. Aldridge is also a decent defender, who won’t necessarily guard the rim, but is smart, mobile and has the bulk to stone bigs in the post.
Last season, Aldridge averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 35.4 minutes per game. This man played through a torn thumb for months to keep Portland’s postseason hopes alive. He’s a superstar, no doubt.
Wait, don’t stroke me and leave me hanging. What if we don’t land Aldridge?
Well, even if the Raptors don’t land Aldridge, this should still be viewed as a positive sign. Masai Ujiri is at the plate with the bases loaded and the man is swinging for a home run. Remember what he said about mediocrity? “We will not be stuck in the middle?” He and his staff are following up on that. He has a chance to build something great (or at least very promising) here in Toronto, and goddamnit, he’s going to try. Maybe he strikes out on Aldridge, but the second tier isn’t bad. Paul Millsap, Kevin Love, DeMarre Carroll? Holla at your boy Masai.
*Sploosh*
