The Portland Trailblazers are down 1-0 in their opening series of the 2014-15 playoffs, and are playing with the weight of LaMarcus Aldridge's impending free agency on their back. The versatile big man is one of the NBA's most potent offensive weapons, and he may be gone after this series.
Aldridge is one of the best options available in free agency in 2015, and there will be a number of teams clamoring to sign him. Aldridge averaged a double-double this year-23.4 points (career-high) and 10.2 rebounds-and shot 46 percent from the field.
He's had success in Portland, and plays in front of one of the NBA's best crowds, but a teammate recently let it slip he only thinks Aldridge is a 50-50 bet to stay put. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are glossy destination teams, while there is speculation Aldridge may want to play closer to home in Texas. The San Antonio Spurs may be in the midst of the last hurrah for Tim Duncan, which would free up plenty of room for Aldridge as his replacement.
Aldridge himself hasn't made any mention of leaving Portland, so this is speculative. Last July, when he turned down a three-year extension, he emphasized his decision was purely financial and had no bearing on how he feels playing for the Blazers.
"I don't want it to be perceived that I'm not happy, or I'm not staying on because I'm not signing a three-year deal,'' Aldridge told The Oregonian last July. "It's just financially smarter to wait ... and I'm looking forward to signing the five-year deal when the chance comes.''
The Knicks finished the season with the worst record in the NBA, but will get star forward Carmelo Anthony back next season, and may wind up with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The Lakers can't be counted out, but have been linked more closely to current Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo, and potentially Cleveland forward Kevin Love if he opts out of his deal.
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