Free agent big man LaMarcus Aldridge is set to work out for the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Aldridge, 37, previously played for the Brooklyn Nets last season wherein he came out from retirement in 2021 due to an irregular heartbeat. Upon receiving medical clearance to play and return to the club, he managed to suit up in 47 games (22 starts) and averaged 12.9 points and 5.5 boards in a career-high 55.0 percent shooting across 22.3 minutes of exposure. Amid these productive numbers, an ankle injury limited him and reduced his rotational minutes in the second half of the season.
He went on untapped to play by then-head coach Steve Nash in the previous postseason, as the drama-marred-Nets team was eventually swept by the Boston Celtics in their first-round encounter.
A seven-time All-Star, Aldridge was one of the premier bigs in the league with his uncanny offensive weapons and post-up mastery. He also previously played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs wherein he amassed five All-NBA Team selections.
Given his age, risky condition, and history of heart issues, teams have significant reasons not to entertain the idea of inking Aldridge for a contract. But this time around, his hometown team in Dallas will look to evaluate him for a potential resumption of his career.
The Mavs (31-27), current owners of the West’s fourth seed, already have a plethora of centers and power forwards in Christian Wood, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and JaVale McGee. By possibly adding Aldridge, they can have more options to insert and anchor their front, while also having that added veteran presence and leadership which will be vital for their ongoing title hunt.
