NBA Free Agent Rumors: Latest Buzz on LaMarcus Aldridge, Tristan Thompson, More

The NBA's pool of available free agents may be shrinking by the hour, but some landscape-shifting talents have yet to put pen to paper on new contracts.  

Yes, we're looking at you, LaMarcus Aldridge.  

But beyond the summer's most sought-after scorer, several big men remain in discussions regarding long-term commitments. 

Miami in on Aldridge? 

Don Ryan/Associated Press

The Los Angeles Lakers will get a second chance to persuade Aldridge after botching their initial pitch, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, but a former Purple and Gold shot-caller is reportedly creeping into the running:

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, team president Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have secured a Thursday night meeting with Aldridge, which will come after the coveted power forward sits down with the Lakers again. 

After the Phoenix Suns cleared a chunk of cap space to further pursue Aldridge by dealing Reggie Bullock, Marcus Morris and Danny Granger to the Detroit Pistons, per Wojnarowski, things are heating up.

The Suns and San Antonio Spurs continue to function as the perceived front-runners, but Riley is never to be discounted. He's proved persuasive in the past, and as Bleacher Report's Ethan Skolnick outlined, there are conceivable ways for Miami to clear the necessary cap space to bring Aldridge aboard:

"It's Pat, man," a Heat source said, according to Skolnick. "When doesn't he try to get in the room?"  

With Goran Dragic committed to the Heat on a new five-year deal, Chris Bosh on the mend and Dwyane Wade "progressing" on talks for a new deal with Miami, per Wojnarowski, Aldridge could conceivably be enticed by the team's deep stable of veteran talent.  

Tristan, Cavs Not Far Apart

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While Stein tweeted the Cleveland Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson were "nearing agreement on deal that will pay the RFA in excess of $80 mil" on Wednesday, the deal hasn't been sealed just yet, according to Northeast Ohio Media Group's Chris Haynes:  

We saw a similar situation play out with restricted free agent Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors Wednesday afternoon, but the two sides quickly reached an agreement on a five-year deal worth $85 million, according to the Associated Press (via Yahoo Sports).  

By declining a four-year, $52 million extension prior to the 2014-15 season, according to Wojnarowski, Thompson made a big bet on his talent.

Now, that gamble should pay significant dividends after Thompson crunched opponents to the tune of 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds (4.4 offensive) per game throughout the playoffs.  

Robin Lopez Intrigued by New York

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The New York Knicks are still scouring the market for their center of the future, but one candidate appears to be separating himself from the pack. 

With available options tinning out, Robin Lopez is starting to emerge as the team's best bet to man the middle.

"Interest is mutual, that's for sure," a source said, according to ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley.

Begley also reported that "Lopez came away with a positive impression of New York" following a Wednesday night meeting.  

Bleacher Report's Dan Favale noted that Lopez resided in exclusive rim-protecting company last season: 

With the Knicks' roster currently devoid of a true center, Lopez could represent a long-term building block on defense and solid pick-and-roll partner on offense.