LaMarcus Aldridge stuns NBA by signing one-year deal with Nets

LaMarcus Aldridge will sign a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal with the Brooklyn Nets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Aldridge stunned the league with this signing, as it was reported by multiple outlets that the Miami Heat were the favorites to land the veteran power forward. Even the Heat's front office was shocked by this decision, as they were expecting to add the 35-year-old, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

A source close to Aldridge told Jackson that the big man changed his mind because the Nets sold him on the fact that "they are in good position to compete for a championship. The source added that Miami's "recent losing streak didn't help." The Heat have lost six-straight games.

In Brooklyn, Aldridge will provide veteran leadership and more depth to an already stacked Nets team. Brooklyn's players have combined for 41 All-Star appearances and 32 All-NBA selections.

Aldridge is the sixth Nets player with at least one All-Star selection and All-NBA nod on his resume, joining Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

Prior to his buyout with the San Antonio Spurs, Aldridge was averaging 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 threes and 0.9 blocks, while shoting 46.4% from the field, 36.0% from three and 83.8% from the free throw line.