Houston Rockets: Major Blow Dealt In Possible Aldridge Deal
The heat is on!
Before I start belting out the lyrics to Glenn Frey’s timeless hit, I’ll calm down and talk about what’s going with the Houston Rockets.
The free agency clock has started and the Rockets are none the exception as they are working quickly and smartly to try to mold this roster for the upcoming season.
You already know that general manager Daryl Morey — also known as “Cool Hand Morey” in my opinion — has his guns in holsters ready to pull the trigger.
So far, the Rockets have expressed interest in Rodney Stuckey, Carlos Boozer and Derrick Williams.
But let’s not forget about their biggest target…
Who would that be?
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That would be none other than foward LaMarcus Aldridge.
The Rockets have been working hard to land him here in the Bayou City and the Rockets were likely dealt a major blow when this news came out.
What was it?
According to Jabari Young of CSNNW.com, the Portland Trail Blazers are unlikely to let him go with a sign-and-trade deal.
That’s about the worst it can get for the Rockets where the best chance of landing him would be from that type of deal.
The Blazers can offer him the most money with a max deal being about five-years, $108 million.
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Even though that’s the case, unlike other athletes like Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh cashing in, Aldridge seems dead set on bolting out of Rip City.
Most teams like the Rockets would be able to offer a max deal around four years within the $80 million range according to Young.
If the Rockets were to pull this off, the roster would have to be torn apart to make room for Aldridge’s contract.
There would no room for Patrick Beverley, Corey Brewer and Josh Smith who are guys the Rockets are also working with to sign them for next year.
I’m hopeful the Rockets bring everybody back from last season but if we have a chance to land such a pivotal player in Aldridge.
If this were to happen, you could definitely pencil the Rockets in as a championship contender for next season!
It’d be exciting news for us Rockets fans but at this stage of free agency talks, it seems more like a pipe dream.
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But the cost of hope is free and there’s plenty of it to spread around.
Aldridge, 30, averaged 23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG in 71 games for the Blazers last season.
In addition to the meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers and Rockets, he is also is meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks.
Let’s hope for the best!
Go Rockets!
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