The New York Knicks may have a legitimate shot now in free agency at signing a big-name talent once thought to be unavailable: Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge. Two reports indicated Aldridge, who spoke in February of his ability to play in the triangle offense, is now considering testing free agency in July if Portland cannot make it out of the first round of the 2015 NBA playoffs.
Not many pegged Aldridge to be available after the season, given the Trail Blazers' newfound success over the past two years. Two reports over the weekend, though, suggested Aldridge re-signing in Portland after the season isn't actually a sure thing. In fact, according to the two reports, there's a legitimate chance the 29-year-old explores his options this summer in free agency.
The first report came from the New York Post's Marc Berman, who suggested Knicks president Phil Jackson could find himself in the running to sign Aldridge when free agency starts July 1.
"Rumblings are it's no longer a guarantee he re-signs with the Blazers, especially if they're one-and-done in the playoffs," Berman wrote Saturday. "He talked about fitting the triangle offense during All-Star weekend, but his max starting salary is a hefty $18.9 million. Can Jackson convince Aldridge to sign for one year at less than the max so he can reap the benefits of the 2016 cap explosion?"
The Oregonian's Jason Quick published the second report about Aldridge not being a lock to re-sign with Portland after the season.
"(The Trail Blazers) need to worry about losing one of the greatest players in franchise history," Quick wrote Sunday. "Some Blazers players have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50."
Aldridge said last summer he wanted to remain with Portland long-term, going as far as turning down an extension in favor of signing a five-year deal with the Trail Blazers this July. The two reports from this weekend, though, suggest Aldridge may be reconsidering his stance about playing out his career in Portland - especially if the team cannot make it past the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
If Aldridge seriously does test the market this summer, New York will make a run at him. If that does happen, it'll be interesting to see how Jackson reprioritizes his free-agent wish list. Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe reportedly was a "done deal" to sign with the Knicks in the offseason, but that report came out before the two suggesting Aldridge may actually be available this summer. If Jackson had the chance to land Aldridge, he'd certainly go with Aldridge over Monroe.
Projections for New York's salary cap this summer range from $21-$26 million, potentially giving Jackson enough room to sign one star player to a max deal and another talented player to a contract in the $10 million range.
Other soon-to-be free agents on the Knicks' wish list reportedly include Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic, Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks swingman Khris Middleton, San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green, Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris and Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews.
New York, the second-worst team in the league, also could end up with a high lottery pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Depending on what pick New York gets, the team could end up with a coveted talent such as Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor, Kentucky freshman Karl-Anthony Towns or Ohio State freshman D'Angelo Russell.
