Bucher: Mavs, not Spurs, Biggest Threat to Steal LaMarcus Aldridge

The Dallas Mavericks have been linked to just about everybody since their season concluded at the hands of the Houston Rockets. That’s the way it goes when a franchise has as few as four players on the books next season.

One of those names linked to the Mavericks has been Texas native and top-3 power forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

Aldridge to the Mavericks though, to me, has seemed like a pipe dream. Right up there with Marc Gasol, another big name rumored to be a target of Mark Cuban and his staff. Aldridge would be leaving big money on the table to sign somewhere other than the City of Roses, and the Blazers have a solid core with an all-star point guard and a terrific head coach.

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Supposedly Aldridge has felt slighted in Portland for a while, first playing in the shadow of Brandon Roy, taking a backseat to the hype surrounding Greg Oden, and now playing with fan favorite Damian Lillard.

But if he wants to win, and it sounds like he does, he’ll never be the one guy on the roster who commands all the attention. It’d be that way in San Antonio and Dallas, too, where he’d also face the reality of having to live up to the standards in place set by Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki.

When all of that is considered is Aldridge actually better off anywhere but Portland? Maybe, maybe not. But Aldridge appears ready to find out for himself and according to Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher the Mavericks are the bigger threat to land Aldridge than anyone else.

"Of his potential suitors, league sources indicate that the Mavericks are the biggest threat to pull Aldridge away from the Blazers, but it’s the general idea of returning to Texas, not a specific destination, that appeals to him. Both the Mavericks and Spurs, of course, could have the requisite cap space, reputation of success and location."

Will Aldridge’s affinity for the Lone Star state be enough for him to leave Portland? That’s the $27 million dollar question. Stay tuned, as we approach the opening of free agency on July 1st things are going to get very interesting.

Next: Top Free Agent Targets for the Mavericks

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