Targeting Aldridge this summer

[Eddie20]

While we wouldn't exactly be a homecoming we do have some positive things to offer him.

- Max money with probably a 2 year player option in order for him to take advantage of the new CBA
- A team that is ascending
- Playing in a weaker conference, which means a higher likelihood to advance during the playoffs
- Stevens, who is a huge upgrade over Stotts
- Playing for a historic franchise


http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/04/trail_blazers_list_of_concerns_after_game_1_should.html

some of the key points...

After an atrocious performance by the Blazers that at one point left Aldridge sitting alone on the bench as his teammates joined a late-game huddle, the Blazers need to worry about more than just losing this series.

They need to worry about losing one of the greatest players in franchise history.

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.

Personally, I've always believed Aldridge will return to Portland. Allen can offer more years and more money to Aldridge than any other owner. But behind the numbers and dollar figures is the undeniable fact that he has become comfortable in the city and feels valued within the organization. With Aldridge, that means more than any wad of money or the attention of any big city can offer.

It's why Aldridge took a bold stance last summer after he politely turned down an offer to sign a three-year extension, saying he would rather sign a five-year deal with Portland.

"I don't want it to be perceived that I'm not happy, or I'm not staying on because I'm not signing a three-year deal,'' Aldridge told The Oregonian last July. "It's just financially smarter to wait ... and I'm looking forward to signing the five-year deal when the chance comes.''

But one Blazers player cautioned that Aldridge already has enough money. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.

It's the tricky thing about Aldridge. No one ever really knows where he stands. He is fickle. Moody. And unpredictable.

[Roy H.]

. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.

Hey, Boston has a shot.  It's about 80 miles closer to Dallas than Portland is.

[Eddie20]

. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.

Hey, Boston has a shot.  It's about 80 miles closer to Dallas than Portland is.

It's actually further than Dallas, but is Dallas really a better situation? How much better does he make them in the west? Signing him will also impact them re-signing Ellis, Chandler, and Rondo. They'd probably lose two of those three and they aren't a deep team to begin with.

[Who]

I don't think Boston can net a guy like Aldridge in free agency. I don't think the Celtics have the star talent in place to convince a guy like Aldridge that if he joins he'll have a chance to compete for a Championship.

I think Boston have a chance at lower quality younger free agents like Greg Monroe who are in less of a rush to join an immediate title contender and will be more willing to be patient while the team builds around them.

[PhoSita]

See Who's post.


Hey, what if Duncan retires and Aldridge joins the Spurs?  That would be awesome (aside from the Duncan retiring thing).

[Celtics4ever]

It is a longshot at best.   We should try but I doubt it happens, would be like making a two mile sniper shot in high wind.  Oh wait the longest shot is 1.5 miles, that still sounds about right.   I hope I am wrong in this regard.

[jpotter33]

See Who's post.


Hey, what if Duncan retires and Aldridge joins the Spurs?  That would be awesome (aside from the Duncan retiring thing).

Would be a decent fit with Splitter there, too. Though there is still the question of whether or not Pop stays after Timmy leaves.

Yeah, I don't think we have a chance for Aldridge either. He's not really as high on my list as others either, though.

[chambers]

See Who's post.


Hey, what if Duncan retires and Aldridge joins the Spurs?  That would be awesome (aside from the Duncan retiring thing).

Why does Duncan have to retire?
Just throw him in there with their current crew and they'll go for another 3 ships'

[JHTruth]

No chance. We will end up with Monroe if we land anyone major at all in FA. We probably need a trade to pull in a major star

[LilRip]

Despite going on a huge run on the second half of the season, I really have a hard time imagining Aldridge (or any other big FA name really) choosing to sign with Boston unless its an overpay.

[Evantime34]

I think the only way Aldridge would join the C's is if we trade for another star first.

We will probably target every single free agent of quality, whether they are willing to even meet with us is a different story.

[apc]

We may need a "Ray Allen" to make this happen.

[celticsfan8591]

. Happiness is what he is truly seeking, and that could be found in being closer to family in Texas.

Hey, Boston has a shot.  It's about 80 miles closer to Dallas than Portland is.

It's actually further than Dallas, but is Dallas really a better situation? How much better does he make them in the west? Signing him will also impact them re-signing Ellis, Chandler, and Rondo. They'd probably lose two of those three and they aren't a deep team to begin with.

I doubt Aldridge would find a better situation than Portland in free agency though.  I think he would stay put unless he gets the chance to return home, which only the Mavs can offer. 

[Moranis]

See Who's post.


Hey, what if Duncan retires and Aldridge joins the Spurs?  That would be awesome (aside from the Duncan retiring thing).

Why does Duncan have to retire?
Just throw him in there with their current crew and they'll go for another 3 ships'

they need his salary room unless he signs on at the minimum he has to retire.

[MBunge]

I don't think Boston can net a guy like Aldridge in free agency. I don't think the Celtics have the star talent in place to convince a guy like Aldridge that if he joins he'll have a chance to compete for a Championship.

I think Boston have a chance at lower quality younger free agents like Greg Monroe who are in less of a rush to join an immediate title contender and will be more willing to be patient while the team builds around them.

The one thing Boston can offer Aldridge is playing in the East.  Put him on this team next year, with no other changes, and we're probably fighting to get into the top 4 in the conference.  Add someone else like Lopez, Chandler or Asik at center or, possibly, Wesley Matthews?

And those are just FA options.  Ainge has certainly got the assets for a trade to supplement Aldridge.

Mike