An unexpected suitor has reportedly emerged in the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes. The free agent big man will allow the Toronto Raptors to make their pitch in a meeting once free agency officially begins, according to Shams Charania of Real GM.
LaMarcus Aldridge will let the Raptors make a pitch for him, according to report
A new team has arrived in the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes.
Aldridge “has an interest” in the Raptors, per Charania, though it’s unclear how serious. Aldridge reportedly told the Blazers he won’t re-sign, and reports suggest that the Spurs, Lakers and Mavericks are front-runners for his services. The Rockets may also enter the picture.
However, the Raptors could be a viable threat. The draft day trade of Greivis Vasquez to Milwaukee ensured they will have the ability to create maximum cap room. They must renounce the rights to key free agents Amir Johnson and Lou Williams in order to officially create that room, but they will likely do so if they have a real shot to sign Aldridge.
Adding Aldridge to a core of Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, Jonas Valanciunas and Patrick Patterson could push Toronto out of the dreaded middle of the Eastern Conference. The Raptors finished 49-33 last season before being swept by the Washington Wizards in the first round of the playoffs.
Toronto is also attempting to clear enough cap space to make a run at Kevin Durant in 2016. They will likely have the room to sign Durant even if Aldridge arrives, though it may cost Toronto Ross and Valanciunas.
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