LaMarcus Aldridge Adds Toronto Raptors To Possible Destinations In Free Agency

LaMarcus Aldridge, one of the top free agents in the NBA’s 2015 offseason, will be visiting with the Toronto Raptors this week, according to multiple media reports. The Canadian squad will join a few other suitors reportedly chasing the big man.

Shams Charania of RealGM reported that Aldridge has interest in signing his next long-term deal with the Raptors. Other teams believed to be in the Aldridge hunt are the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, among others.

A four-time NBA all-star, Aldridge is an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Portland Trail Blazers potentially could lose him for nothing this offseason should he choose to sign with another team.

The 29-year-old power forward was the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, and he has played for Portland his entire time in the league. Entering his 10th season, he’s considered one of the top big men in the NBA after averaging a double-double of 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in 71 games for the Blazers last season.

There are reports that Aldridge would prefer one of the Texas teams -- Mavericks, Rockets or Spurs -- as his next destination. Aldridge, who was born in Dallas, attended Seagoville High School in that city and the University of Texas.

Toronto features the likes of point guard Kyle Lowry, shooting guard DeMar DeRozan and center Jonas Valanciunas at its core. If Aldridge were signed by the team, he would make the Raptors one of the top contenders in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.