NBA Rumors: Free-Agency Buzz on LaMarcus Aldridge, Jeremy Lin and More
The NBA's annual foray into insanity, otherwise known as the start of free agency, is looming. Teams and players can begin to negotiate on July 1, which is also when deals will start being agreed to even though they won't be finalized and official until July 10.
This year's batch of free agents is heavy on star power, with names like LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol and Kawhi Leonard available.
LeBron James also technically qualifies as a free agent after opting out of his deal with Cleveland, but ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst reported the former NBA MVP intends to re-sign with the Cavaliers.
So instead of devoting more time to James, which would be a waste, let's explore some of the discussions around players who figure to explore the market.
Lakers' Pitch to LaMarcus Aldridge
For the last two years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to give their money to anyone who would take it. Things didn't work out last summer, but optimism is high that things will be different this time around.
In fact, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers have crafted the perfect scenario when they can begin talking to players:
"The Lakers, though, have already turned lemons into something sweet, moving up in the draft despite the gnashing jaws of Steve Nash-shaped despair and grabbing dynamic point guard D'Angelo Russell second overall.
All their financial eggs now go into the big-man basket. They want to talk to LaMarcus Aldridge, he wants to listen, and if all goes well for both sides, the four-time All-Star signs a four-year, $80-million deal to be the Lakers' power forward.
"
Things aren't likely going to be that easy, as ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported the San Antonio Spurs are going to be in the mix for Aldridge. He has a connection to the state of Texas, being a Dallas native and playing college basketball at the University of Texas.
Yet California isn't foreign to Aldridge, as Bresnahan noted the four-time All-Star has a home in Orange County.
If things come down to a bidding war between teams like the Lakers and Spurs, Los Angeles will be favored every time because San Antonio doesn't seem like the type of franchise that will let a player hold it hostage over money.
The Lakers, who are coming off consecutive appearances in the draft lottery, need to make a splash with Kobe Bryant entering the final year of his contract and needing high-impact talent around the former MVP.
Jeremy Lin's MSG Redux?
Three years ago, the New York Knicks let Jeremy Lin leave via free agency, much to the chagrin of fans. He then signed with the Houston Rockets before getting traded to the Lakers last season.
Now, according to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, Lin's career arc could take him back to New York:
There would certainly have to be an appeal for Lin to play for the Knicks again. His best season in the NBA came while playing in New York in 2011-12, averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 assists in 35 games. The aura of Madison Square Garden also allowed him to develop "Linsanity."
Yet Lin's role with the Knicks would be much different because of how this team is constructed. Carmelo Anthony controls the ball and takes so many shots that it's difficult for others to get touches.
Lin hasn't proved he can be a capable point guard, boasting a 1.92 assist-to-turnover ratio, per ESPN.com. He's a shooter who needs to handle the ball.
The Knicks need to upgrade their roster this summer. Kristaps Porzingis was a strong choice at No. 4 in the draft, but he's not going to show off his full arsenal right out of the gate. Jerian Grant, who was acquired in a three-team deal on draft night, can be the point guard.
Yet Lin isn't a bad bench player, and he can give the Knicks another scorer. Knicks fans would have to dial back their expectations for Lin if he were to return, but he's a quality, low-risk player for a struggling franchise to consider adding.
Cleveland Return for Tristan Thompson?
One thing that was said many times throughout the playoffs is how Tristan Thompson made a lot of money with his postseason performance. The 24-year-old was a rebounding machine during Cleveland's run to the NBA Finals, averaging 10.8 boards per game.
Since Thompson is a restricted free agent, the Cavaliers can match any offer he receives to retain him. According to ESPN.com's Windhorst, the team has every intention of keeping the versatile power forward:
"James' agent Rich Paul also represents Cavs restricted free agent Tristan Thompson. Paul has made it known his first priority in free agency will be getting Thompson a deal. After a strong postseason, Thompson is expected to command a contract worth more than $13 million per year. The Cavs have full matching rights and intend to re-sign Thompson.
"
Cleveland had many problems during the NBA Finals against Golden State, but Thompson wasn't one of them. He's not a strong offensive player, averaging 8.5 points per game last season, but there are so many other things he does well that make him worth $13 million per season.
Thompson is such a strong offensive rebounder, averaging 3.4 per game in four NBA seasons, that he can create extra opportunities for himself and teammates to score like few others. That's the kind of skill that warrants a big-money deal.
The Cavaliers don't have to bring all of their free agents back to compete for a title. J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert wouldn't be missed if the team moved on, but Thompson is an essential piece of the franchise's future.
