Report: LaMarcus Aldridge ‘very engaged’ in meeting with Phoenix Suns
Jul 1, 2015, 2:44 PM | Updated: 5:25 pm
The Phoenix Suns were granted audience with prize free agent LaMarcus Aldridge Wednesday.
What exactly went into their sales pitch is unknown, but if nothing else, it appears the forward was interested in what they had to say.
The Suns' two-hour meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge has ended. Aldridge was “very engaged,” source said. Phoenix feels it's still in mix.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 1, 2015
A four-time All-Star, the 29-year-old Aldridge averaged a career high 23.4 points along with 10.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1 block in 35.4 minutes per game for the Portland Trail Blazers last season.
It’s easy to see why the Suns would like to add the 6-foot-11, 240-pound former Texas Longhorn. Needless to say, it looks like they’re going all-out in their pursuit, including recently-added center Tyson Chandler in their meeting.
Suns met Aldridge with Robert Sarver, Lon Babby, Ryan McDonough, Jeff Hornacek, Earl Watson, Tyson Chandler, Eric Bledsoe & Brandon Knight.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) July 1, 2015
Looks like whatever the Suns did, it worked — at least to some extent.
For Suns, wise move bringing new assistant Earl Watson to Aldridge meeting. Close with LMA, highly-respected. Suns made good impression.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 1, 2015
Says once source close to the talks: Phoenix has moved into a contending position alongside San Antonio in the LaMarcus Aldridge Sweepstakes
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 1, 2015
Sources: Suns have legitimately closed the gap in pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge. Tyson Chandler, perimeter talent. They're a real factor.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2015
The Suns are not the only team to have met with Aldridge, as he had already spoken with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, the rumored front-runners. The Portland Trail Blazers and Dallas Mavericks are also expected to be in the mix for his services.