NBA Free Agency 2015: Latest Rumors and Predicted Destinations for Top Stars

Free agency is here, and it's expected to be spectacular.  

With the madness officially underway and teams furiously working to set up meetings while working the phones to hammer out term sheets, contenders for some of the league's most sought-after stars are starting to be separated from pretenders. 

Parsing through the latest reports, rumors and rumblings, it's time to pinpoint which franchises remain atop the chase for players like LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre Jordan and Rajon Rondo. Additionally, we'll lay out predictions for those divisive stars in anticipation of the most likely outcomes.  

Aldridge Chase Down to a Few Teams

The LaMarcus Aldridge rumor mill has been loaded with intrigue on a daily basis, and the last 24 hours have been no exception. 

According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski (via Lakers Nation's Ryan Ward), the race for Aldridge could be down to two horses:

However, that hasn't stopped the Los Angeles Lakers from exploring aggressive avenues of persuasion, per Wojnarowski:  

If Aldridge is, in fact, devoted to ditching the Portland Trail Blazers, then the most any interested suitor can offer him is a four-year max contract in the range of $81 million. The Blazers hold the upper hand in that regard, as they're able to offer a five-year pact valued at $108 million because they retain Aldridge's Bird rights.  

But from every conceivable title-contending perspective, the San Antonio Spurs remain the most logical landing spot for Aldridge and his silky jumper.

Even though Tim Duncan is reportedly expected to return for his 19th season, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Aldridge could serve as The Big Fundamental's successor and a staple of San Antonio's frontcourt for years to come.

Teaming up with Kawhi Leonard—who could receive as much as $90 million over five years when he's extended—and Tony Parker, Aldridge would have the repeated shots to capture a title that consistently eluded him in Portland.  

The Lakers offer more from a glitz-and-glam perspective, but if Aldridge's main goal is to compete for a Larry O'Brien Trophy, he should latch on with the Spurs.  

Prediction: Aldridge inks a four-year deal worth more than $80 million with the Spurs

Rondo Angling For Short-Term Pact

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Rajon Rondo knows his value is at an all-time low following a disastrous stint with the Dallas Mavericks, so it makes sense that the 29-year-old point guard is aiming to rehabilitate his stock.

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Rondo is intent on finding a team amenable to a deal that would allow him to flash what he has to offer before committing to a long-term contract: 

After perception that Rondo's game took a hit following his inability to lift the Mavericks offense to new heights, the list of parties interested in acquiring the ball-dominant floor general doesn't appear to run very long.  

Thus, the Sacramento Kings could make sense as a short-term stay for Rondo. Not only could he pair up with fellow Kentucky Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins, but Rondo would instantly become the most reliable distributor on a team that's thin at point guard behind Darren Collison. 

Under the tenets of the one-year structure Stein discussed, Rondo could sign on for guaranteed money this season and then maintain a player option for the following year. That way, if he isn't able to improve on averages of 8.9 points and 7.9 assists from a year ago, Rondo could opt into the final year and take another crack at boosting his profile before netting a substantial raise.  

Prediction: Sacramento signs Rondo to a two-year deal, with the second year functioning as a player option. 

Jordan's Short List Becoming Clear

Per ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon, "the Dallas Mavericks are widely considered the likeliest team in the league to persuade free-agent center DeAndre Jordan to leave the Los Angeles Clippers, according to league sources."

A few weeks ago, this would have been puzzling, since the Los Angeles Clippers retain the right to offer Jordan an extra year and $27 million more than any other team, a la the Blazers with Aldridge. 

However, ESPN.com's Chris Broussard reports that point is now moot. 

"Free agent DeAndre Jordan is likely looking to sign a four-year deal that allows him to opt out after three seasons, which would nullify the Los Angeles Clippers' advantage in keeping the center," Broussard wrote. 

Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Broussard adds "a source close to the situation told ESPN on Tuesday that it's '50-50,'" between whether Jordan will latch on with the Mavericks or capitalize on the Clippers' offer.  

But given that Jordan is exclusively seeking a four-year contract that could morph into a three-year deal, the Mavericks' ability to persuade him may strengthen. 

Dallas has a massive void in the middle with Tyson Chandler also an unrestricted free agent, and ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reports the Clippers could actually pursue a sign-and-trade of Chandler should Jordan bolt. 

There are several moving parts here, but with Jordan apparently focused on maximizing his earning potential down the line when the new salary cap goes into effect, a trial run in Dallas could be more appealing.  

Prediction: Dallas signs Jordan to a four-year max deal with a player option for the final year