NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Futures of Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and More
While the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are still battling for an NBA title, it's never too soon for the top players around the league to think about their future.
Even before free agency kicks off in the summer on July 1, there will be a lot of buzz and speculation about where each player will end up. Some will return to their own squad while others will make dramatic shifts around the league by moving on to greener pastures.
Although there is still a lot of time to make changes, here is a look at the latest rumors from around the league.
The Portland Trail Blazers have a lot of young talent, but competing in the Western Conference is a real challenge. The squad had just the sixth-best record in the conference and lost in five games in the first round of the playoffs to the Memphis Grizzlies.
If the Blazers lose LaMarcus Aldridge to free agency, their ability to contend for a title will get enough tougher.
The power forward has been one of the more consistent low-post producers in the NBA over the past few seasons, averaging over 23 points and 10 rebounds per game in the last two. He could clearly be a key part of a championship team wherever he lands.
Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher reported, citing sources, that the forward's interest in returning to the Blazers isn't as high as it was last summer. He mentioned the fact Aldridge has taken a backseat to other players on the roster as a possible reason.
Bucher listed the options for the 29-year-old player if he goes elsewhere:
"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.
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The Dallas Mavericks haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs since winning a title in 2011, but adding a player like Aldridge could make a huge difference. The squad should do whatever it can to convince the four-time All-Star to come to town.
Al-Farouq Aminu
In five NBA seasons, Al-Farouq Aminu hasn't made a huge impact on the box score. He has played for three different franchises and never averaged more than eight points per game in a season.
Despite these problems, the forward has proved to be a quality role player at this level.
This past year he tied with Dirk Nowitzki for third on the team in value over replacement players, ahead of even bigger contributors, such as Monta Ellis, according to Basketball-Reference.com. At just 24 years old, he still has the potential to be even more productive going forward as a quality defender, rebounder and inside scorer.
The challenge for the Dallas Mavericks will be to keep him, as ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon explained:
"League sources estimate that the market for Aminu will be in the $4 million per year range.
The problem for the Mavs is that they aren't likely to have the full midlevel exception ($5.46 million) and the cap-room exception ($2.81 million) probably won't be enough to pay Aminu market value. In other words, the Mavs should plan on needing to use some of their precious cap space to pay Aminu.
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MacMahon reported one option could be to trade Raymond Felton to clear some room or waive him if no suitors emerge.
Either option would likely be necessary because Aminu could be a quality contributor for a serious contender next season, especially if Aldridge decides to sign as a free agent.
Kevin Love
A year ago it seemed like every single team in the NBA wanted Kevin Love. However, after seeing his numbers drop this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the market has fallen as well.
One organization that was interested last summer but not as much anymore is the Boston Celtics.
"According to all sources, Danny Ainge still has affection for Love, but it’s not nearly the borderline obsession that it was last summer," reported Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. He added that it's a long shot he ends up playing in Boston next year.
While the squad is dealing with different circumstances than it was last season, this is likely not an uncommon feeling around the league.
Of course, Love believes he would be just fine opting in to his current deal and remaining with the Cavaliers. When asked about his plans for next season, he responded, "I expect to be suiting up by Game 1 of next year," per Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal. Love then confirmed this meant playing for the Cavs.
The forward might not have had great numbers this year (16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game compared to 26.5 and 12.1 the season prior), but he still could be a key contributor for Cleveland going forward.
As Zach Lowe of Grantland noted, however, this might create an issue financially: "Love is still valuable to the Cavaliers, but it becomes a question of resources: Can you really give max contracts to three players—LeBron, Love, and Tristan Thompson—who should all play heavy minutes at power forward, and with two other rotation big men already on the books?
There are a lot of moving parts concerning Love's future in Cleveland. The organization also might not want to let the forward walk after dealing Andrew Wiggins in a trade last summer. No matter what happens, there will be plenty of teams interested in the All-Star if he does become available.
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