RealGM

When it comes to NBA free agency, armchair GMs—as in everyone who isn't an actual NBA GM—tend to pair available players with teams that have the cash and the need, as if the entire procedure is akin to acquiring and installing a missing part on a car.

The problem with that: car parts don't have feelings. Free agent LaMarcus Aldridge does. Among them: jealousy, disappointment, loyalty and fear. Jealousy over how other stars are treated. Disappointment over another postseason ending far too soon. Loyalty to a teammate and friend whose future is suddenly unknown. Fear that he will look back on his career and wonder about the road not taken.

All that, apparently, is why a source familiar with Aldridge's thinking said several weeks ago that the about-to-be 30-year-old power forward was aggressively exploring options other than returning to Portland. Indeed, he moved out of the house he rented from former Blazer Damon Stoudamire and it is up for sale. But will Aldridge’s emotions be tempered by the prospect of leaving $27 million on the table, the amount a Blazers' maximum-salaried contract differs from the maximum that can be offered under collective bargaining agreement rules by any other team?

Aldridge did not respond to messages seeking comment, nor did Blazers GM Neil Olshey. But sources from both sides of their relationship confirmed two significant points: First, Aldridge isn't feeling the same way he did last summer when he publicly stated his intention of signing an extension with the Blazers this summer; second, there isn't a clear-cut better situation for him than what he has in Portland.

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.

Both also may not be perfect fits. Several sources have indicated that the Spurs, for whatever reason, are either off his list or not very high on it. And the question concerning Dallas is: Does an aging Dirk Nowitzki truly give him a better chance of competing for a title? Dallas, sources say, is clearly interested, but where he sits on its priority list is not clear.

"LaMarcus feels, as all great players do, that wherever he goes he'll have a great chance," a source familiar with his thinking said. "But don't think about this as what makes the most sense. He feels he's been in Portland a long time and that maybe it's time for a change. That's what is driving this."

While Aldridge is considered one of a handful of soon-to-be free-agent big men worthy of a maximum-salary contract—a list expanded to a half-dozen names thanks to the anticipated influx of TV revenue that will raise the salary cap in coming years—there are reasons Aldridge could slide to the middle of a list includes Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, Brook Lopez and Greg Monroe.

Risk101 wrote:Rick Bucher

Agenda42 wrote:It would be cool if there were some information in the article.

psualltheway5 wrote:Will Kyle Lowry be involved in a sign and trade this time around?

Kobblehead wrote:That Mavs roster is so weird. They could have as little as 4 players under contract this summer (if Aminu and Ellis opt out).

RamonSessions7 wrote:

Risk101 wrote:Rick Bucher

Well, guess we can rule out the Mavs