LaMarcus Aldridge To Phoenix Suns? NBA Analysts Say It’s A Real Possibility
LaMarcus Aldridge to Phoenix Suns rumors are catching NBA analysts by surprise. Aldridge is giving the Suns serious consideration in free agency, suggesting that he might be open to signing with the team very soon. This follows news that a meeting with the LA Lakers did not impress the All-Star power forward and that he has crossed Los Angeles off his list of potential offseason destinations. A report from CBS Sports late Wednesday (July 1) confirms these rumors might actually lead to something in Arizona.
Earlier in the day, a report from Sports Illustrated confirmed that the Suns had agreed on a contract with free agent center Tyson Chandler. Early reports of the deal have it at around $52 million over the next four seasons, making Chandler one of the biggest free agents to switch teams this NBA offseason. What it also did was give LaMarcus Aldridge another reason to sign with the Phoenix Suns, as having a low post center like Chandler would take a lot of pressure off him on defense.
A reality in all this maneuvering by the Suns is that the team would have to make another trade or two to clear some salary cap room for Aldridge. Assuming Chandler will make about $12.5 million during the 2015-16 NBA season, that pushes the committed salaries to about $55.7 million for the Suns. That’s not counting a raise for Brandon Knight or the incoming draft picks for the team, meaning a lot of money might need to get shuffled out the door. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Knight was acquired as part of a three-team trade midway through the 2014-15 NBA season.
Among some of the quotes in the rumors of LaMarcus Aldridge to the Phoenix Suns are that the team is now in a “contending position,” that the Suns have “legitimately closed the gap,” and that they are now “right there with the Spurs.” That’s a very remarkable turnaround for the team, meaning the people in the meeting with Aldridge must have said all the right things. With key pieces already in place and a lot of young talent, maybe it was easier for the Suns to sell Aldridge on a contract than originally thought.
How the situation plays out over the next few days should be very exciting for Suns fans to watch. Locking up a core of good players and having a realistic shot at signing LaMarcus Aldridge is more than anyone could have hoped for this offseason. Expect numerous Phoenix Suns trade rumors to now pop up if the team is truly going to try to clear out some salary for a big contract offer.
[Image Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
