When an NBA superstar of LaMarcus Aldridge’s caliber is set to become a free agent, it certainly doesn’t take much to spark debate about whether or not he will leave town and where the best fit for his future is. So when Aldridge took a solo flight home following the Trail Blazers Game 2 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, there was a firestorm of reports about what had happened and what it could mean for his future.
The most pressing issue for fantasy GMs is in terms of where he ends up and what situation is best for his value. With that in mind, here’s a look at the best landing spots for him.
Portland Trail Blazers
While it might be fun to debate where the best fit would be for Aldridge’s fantasy value, the reality is that if he were to leave Portland this summer, there would be an obvious adjustment period as he acclimated himself with his new teammates. That is why the Trail Blazers might still be the best place for him since he is already one of the league’s most dominant power forwards on a team that has been built around him and Damian Lillard. Lillard’s presence has helped enhance Aldridge’s fantasy value both as a compliment and a player that takes some of the pressure of opposing defenses off of him. It also helps that nobody at the center position on the roster can score or contribute with any consistency, so he’s not fighting for production up front. Staying in Portland is what you’re hoping for if you own Aldridge in keeper leagues or just want to draft him knowing he’s stable.
New York Knicks
If you thought that Aldridge looked dominant playing in the Western Conference, just imagine what his numbers could potentially look like beating up on some of the average big men holding down positions in the Eastern Conference where he wouldn’t have to deal with Zach Randolph, Dwight Howard or DeAndre Jordan on a consistent basis. The Knicks have a ton of cap space, a star player in Carmelo Anthony and potentially the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. If they can add a star of Aldridge’s caliber they could be a playoff contender again in the East. Aldridge would have to share touches with Anthony but it might not be any different than his current situation with Lillard. He would have every opportunity to boost his stats playing in the East.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs might be the best fit for Aldridge if he wants to win a championship. But in terms of his fantasy value, it might not be the best spot for him. Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker aren’t dominant fantasy players but they are still very capable veteran contributors that understand how to perform at the highest level and they each still need their touches. Aldridge would be an excellent fit in San Antonio and his addition would strengthen their position as a championship contender, but that doesn’t mean the Spurs are the best fit for his fantasy value.
Dallas Mavericks
The reality is that the Rajon Rondo trade has been a slap in the face to the Mavericks but that would only push them to fight harder to acquire a star big man like Aldridge if he became available. Dallas already has a star shooting guard that could put up big numbers in Monta Ellis and while Dirk Nowitzki can still contribute, he is nearing the end of his career and is no longer an elite fantasy asset. Aldridge would become one of the primary fantasy targets for the Mavericks but an adjustment period combined with the lack of an All-Star point guard like Lillard could mean his fantasy production dips somewhat from where it was this season.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers would be another Western Conference option although it’s hard to trust Kobe Bryant’s legs as the Lakers chances of acquiring other star caliber players to add to the mix around him. Los Angeles is supposedly at the top of the list of teams that Rondo would consider signing with and they will have Julius Randle back in the fold next year but it’s hard to imagine any situation where Aldridge’s fantasy value actually improves with the Lakers instead of in Portland.
