Reports: Pat Riley Going After LaMarcus Aldridge
As if NBA Free Agency wasn't entertaining enough as is, the Miami Heat are reportedly interested in prized big man LaMarcus Aldridge, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Yahoo Sources: Another high-profile team is pursuing the possibility of gaining an audience with LaMarcus Aldridge: The Miami Heat.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
Can confirm Yahoo report: Pat Riley is going after LaMarcus Aldridge.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 2, 2015
In what was originally thought as a vacation out west for Pat Riley, apparently there's a thick layer of business attached.
I had originally thought Riley was going home to L.A. for holiday weekend, but then it was made clear to me was for "free agent business."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) July 2, 2015
As for how the Heat can sign Free Agency's highest profile big man, it's initially uncertain which route Pat Riley is thinking. The Heat won't have the cap space to sign him outright and would likely have to engage in some sort of sign and trade that could feature a key piece like Chris Bosh or Hassan Whiteside.
Even if Heat trade Deng & every backup (unrealistic), Heat can't approach max offer for Aldridge with Wade (at decent no), Dragic, Bosh here
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 2, 2015
David Aldridge of NBA.com reports Aldridge canceled a meeting with the Knicks and scheduled one with Riley.
Aldridge is, as Yahoo! reported, meeting a second time with the Lakers this afternoon, & will be meeting with Pat Riley in L.A., per source.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 2, 2015
Update: And it gets more interesting -- Aldridge reportedly "instigated" the meeting.
Sources: LaMarcus Aldridge instigated meeting with Miami, which is why Pat Riley is flying to Los Angeles to meet him.
— Mike Ortiz Jr. (@OrtizDYST) July 2, 2015