About a month ago, the Phoenix Suns had suddenly launched themselves headfirst into the LaMarcus Aldridge free agency foray. With a strong pitch that included the surprise of new acquisition Tyson Chandler being in on the meeting, Aldridge suddenly had a difficult decision on his hands: the Suns and the strong impression they made, or the San Antonio Spurs and their championship culture.
Aldridge eventually chose the Spurs, as most figured he would. But the Suns were a close second, and were apparently so close that general manager Ryan McDonough decided to start clearing room for Aldridge by trading Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger to the Detroit Pistons.