5. LaMarcus Aldridge to the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets made some buyout signings as well with the most recent signing being LaMarcus Aldridge. Like with Drummond, the San Antonio Spurs could not find a trade partner for Aldridge and simply bought the former all-star out, clearing the way for him to sign with the Nets.
Aldridge has gotten a rather large role with the team thus far, however, that is mostly because Kevin Durant has been out of action. Aldridge has played three games with the Nets, starting them all, and is playing 28.3 minutes per game.
Aldridge is averaging 10 points, six rebounds and three assists in his three games. He is playing more than the other buyout signing that the Nets signed but I do think he is going to prove to be less impactful.
Aldrige does still have something to offer an NBA contender and he is going to be a great bench player for the Nets once they get fully healthy. He gives the team more size, which is important as the team’s only real center option was DeAndre Jordan.
However, it is hard to see the Nets giving Aldridge significant minutes against teams with size like the Philadelphia 76ers or Los Angeles Lakers. Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis on LaMarcus Aldridge is a big mismatch.
A solid pickup nonetheless, he is a bench player and the Nets’ other bench addition will prove to be more impactful, as ironic as it sounds.