The Portland Trail Blazers could be without one of their star players in this year's NBA free agency period, as LaMarcus Aldridge could end up signing with another team.
According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Dallas Mavericks are the biggest threats to lure the star power forward from Portland:
Aldridge did not respond to messages seeking comment, nor did Blazers GM Neil Olshey. But sources from both sides of their relationship confirmed two significant points: First, Aldridge isn’t feeling the same way he did last summer when he publicly stated his intention of signing an extension with the Blazers this summer; second, there isn’t a clear-cut better situation for him than what he has in Portland.
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.
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. And the question concerning Dallas is: Does an aging Dirk Nowitzki truly give him a better chance of competing for a title? Dallas, sources say, is clearly interested, but where he sits on its priority list is not clear.
Aldrige is from Texas, so going back home could be a huge factor. According to sources, the San Antonio Spurs aren't a big threat as they once was during the season.
It looks like it might just be Portland vs Dallas for Aldridge. I can definitely see Cleveland as a dark horse still if Kevin Love decides to leave.
