National Basketball Association

Spurs, Mavs, Cavs reportedly lining up to woo Aldridge

Published May. 1, 2015 6:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Teams appear to already be lining up for Blazers' potential free-agent power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. And Aldridge appears ready to listen to all comers.

The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks are the favorites to land the former University of Texas star, according to ESPN. Those teams have long been rumored to have interest in the perennial All-Star, but the Cleveland Cavaliers could also make a run if they lose Kevin Love, according to the report.

The Texas teams not only have a hometown edge, but both can give Aldridge a great chance to win his first title. The Mavericks are four years removed from their first title and have been in the championship mix for more than a decade.

The defending champion Spurs have extended their championship window and are grooming small forward Kawhi Leonard as the franchise cornerstone as stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili wind down their careers. Adding Aldridge would allow the Spurs to remain a championship threat without having to go through a lengthy rebuild.

But Aldridge would also have big shoes at either spot. Dirk Nowitzki is seventh on the all-time scoring list and has been a pillar for the team during his 17-year career. Duncan has two league MVPs, three Finals MVPs, five championships and is arguably the greatest power forward of all time.

Aldridge would also lose out on a fifth year of a guaranteed deal if he left Portland, but Texas' lack of state tax would lessen that financial blow.

Teams can't start negotiating with Aldridge until July 1, the official start of free agency.