Recently bought-out free agent big man LaMarcus Aldridge is set to chat with several reputable playoff contenders soon. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports tweets that the Heat, Lakers, Clippers and Nets are all expected to have a chance to woo the 35-year-old former All-Star.
A report earlier today suggested there was “increasing momentum” toward Aldridge ending up in Miami, and Haynes confirmed the Heat are the favorites, but it sounds like no decision has been made yet.
Before the Spurs agreed to shut him down ahead of a trade or buyout, Aldridge had lost his starting center role to Jakob Poeltl in his least productive season since his rookie year. He is averaging 13.7 PPG and 4.5 RPG across 21 games this season.
Aldridge is not the only decorated veteran big man looking for new digs. Haynes tweets that former All-Star center Andre Drummond, still working towards his own buyout with the Cavaliers, will talk with some of the same clubs as he considers his own next steps. The Knicks, Celtics, Hornets, Lakers, and Clippers are the teams that will have an audience with the 27-year-old former All-Star.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer tweets that “a lot of uncertainty” surrounds this next move for Drummond. Several of these clubs can offer vastly different roles and salaries based on their current rosters and cap situations.
Drummond, averaging a stellar 17.5 PPG and 13.5 RPG for Cleveland, seems likely to enjoy the best combination of money and opportunity on the Knicks and Hornets. The Hornets especially have long needed a major upgrade at center. However, the Lakers have been viewed as the frontrunner for the big man.
Best opportunity to not win a championship if he goes to knicks or hornets.
Hornets are still cursed from trading Kobe.
Well, technically it was the pelicans franchise that traded Kobe….
Oh yeah.
These are the bobcat/hornets.
The Lakers are barely treading water right now after their 4th straight loss, making it their 11th loss in their last 18 games. So far they’ve fallen to 4th place in the West and are now just 5 games ahead of the 9th place Grizzlies. If they don’t do something soon the season could be lost unless they get both LeBron and Davis back real soon.
The headline did not mention the Lakers… What are you doing here stalker?
Pretty sure it did. The lakers are literally in the first paragraph.
It did not. Can you make the effort to look at the headline before posting? And quit sniffing the glue Jimmy, before the teacher sees you.
FYI, The first paragraph is not in the table of contents, where a stalker could be directed to his target.
They’re tied to both players, so not sure what your gripe is. Some people read further than headlines
Well somebody doesn’t get it. Somebody goes into every Laker article though, to morbidly proclaim their doom.
Ahhh, those fans are annoy me too, I get what you’re saying now. The sarcasm didn’t read to me through the text
Ahhh, those fans are annoy me too, I get what you’re saying now. The sarcasm didn’t read to me through the text, my bad
The Lakers without Davis and LeBron smell of desperation. They have the players to compete without them but need to change systems if these 2 aren’t coming back this year. Schroeder,Kuzma, Morris, Harrell, Pope and Caruso could do some damage but not in a system designed for LeBron. A Drummond signing and a defensive buy in could change things quickly. The Jazz have got to be licking their chops right now.
@cuffs2 Are you serious?? That team cannot compete without Lebron or AD.
Lasounis shouldn’t they try to compete?
Lakers will at least make the playoffs. I’m surprised your screen name hasn’t changed as yet.
Hahahahahahaaha! drop
I think This is going to be looked back upon as a true blessing in disguise for Lakers. They are going to find a way to tread enough to stay within striking distance or even stay afloat completely but with this injury is coming much needed rest for AD and LBJ with interesting timing considering only 25-27 games left in season.
This has been my thought as well. Prior to his injury I was getting a little concerned about LeBron’s minutes.
note that four of the teams mentioned here – hornets, celtics, knicks, and heat – are all .500 ish and not contenders this year
this counters the idea that big name buyout guys automatically go to contenders
(will edit when both sign with the lakers this afternoon)
If LaMelo makes it back for the playoffs, and they were to add Drummond… that’s a nasty lineup.
Doesn’t matter, though. The Heat are going to coast into the finals.
Drummond to lakers or nets, Aldridge to heat.
I’m not generally down on Drummond (as some are), but I don’t think he’s a fit with the Knicks. Rose is a tire kicker by nature, but he hasn’t done anything stupid yet, despite plenty of opportunities and endless media encouragement. I don’t see the Knicks refusing Drummond a minimum contract, but I don’t see them making the market for him in advance of the off season either. So, I think the Knicks are a longshot.
Heat need both because we lack size.