NBA Free-Agency Rumors: Rounding Up Buzz on LaMarcus Aldridge and More
The NBA draft steals the headlines this time of year, but as most experienced fans of the Association know, the big fish of the offseason are in free agency.
While teams like the Philadelphia 76ers may attempt to tell fans otherwise, it's still all about the chance to reel in proven superstars. A team like the Los Angeles Lakers personifies this, suffering through two miserable seasons for a pair of top-five selections—two chess pieces the team can turn around and pitch to free agents on the market.
For this reason, it's never wise to fall too far behind on market chatter, especially heading into a period led by major names such as Portland Trail Blazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge, with others such as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love perhaps ready to join the fray, too.
Milwaukee's Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton isn't the biggest name in the world, but the soon-to-be restricted free agent will garner more interest on the open market than most would expect—if he enters it, of course.
At just 23 years old, most of the teams in the league would raise an eyebrow if Middleton became available, hence why Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders hears the Milwaukee Bucks want him back at any cost:
It's a strong statement, but one has to wonder how much other teams will offer the rising star.
Last season, Middleton posted a breakout campaign with averages of 13.4 points, 2.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent from the floor. He posted a player efficiency rating of 15.70.
The best seems to be ahead of the shocking Texas A&M product, and the Bucks are wise to hope keeping the young core together creates success down the road. Other teams may want to step in and swipe at talent such as Middleton, but it doesn't sound like the organization will allow it to happen.
Boston-Kevin Love Affair Update
For months, the rumor mill has been alive with whispers about Love and the Boston Celtics.
It made sense and still does in plenty of ways. Chief among them is Love's somewhat odd fit with the Cavaliers as the third wheel, and the belief is that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge will do whatever it takes to improve his rebuilding roster, which means replacing a Tyler Zeller of Kelly Olynyk with one of the league's best big men.
Doubt continues to creep into the belief, though, and Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald seems to put the proverbial nail in the coffin with a new revelation: "According to all sources, Danny Ainge still has affection for Love, but it’s not nearly the borderline obsession that it was last summer."
There seems to be a growing sense Love will opt to remain in Cleveland and what one league executive told Bulpett might reveal why the Celtics are cooling on him: “I think he wants to be in a good situation. But I also think he’s concerned about his health, so he wants to get a good long-term contract. I still think he stays in Cleveland.”
If health continues to be a theme around the 26-year-old Love, it makes sense the Celtics may want to steer clear. He's a great player—one of the league's best—but botching a rebuild is the worst possible thing the Celtics could do at this juncture.
It's not wise to rule out a Love-Celtics pairing, but it sounds like the brass in Boston might have other big plans the longer this thing drags out.
Who Steals LaMarcus Aldridge?
Every team in the league should want a piece of Aldridge.
Now 29 years old, Aldridge posted a career-high average of 23.4 points last season on 47 percent shooting with a smooth 22.85 PER. His continued elite play suggests he's yet to reach a peak, too.
Portland might have trouble keeping Aldridge around this offseason, especially if the Texas product wants to head back to his preferred state.
It's something Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher touches on in his latest writeup: "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."
Of the Texas teams, Dallas does seem to make the most sense. There's a championship core in place with or without Tyson Chandler down low thanks to Monta Ellis, Chandler Parsons and Dirk Nowitzki. The addition of Aldridge would put things over the top, even in a crowded Western Conference.
Only Aldridge knows where he'll end up, but there's little doubt he's one of the most coveted players to hit the market in a long time. Keep an eye on Dallas, a team with a hometown advantage and a worthy roster worth selling to a superstar.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
