Could LaMarcus Aldridge End Up Back In Portland?
When was the last time you can remember the San Antonio Spurs looking to unload talent? And not just any talent but their best players? According to rumors, this may be the case regarding LaMarcus Aldridge. If the Spurs are looking to move the PF, then there are more than a handful of teams who should be inquiring about the All-Star forward. On the year, Aldridge is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while shooting .512 percent from the floor and playing 32.9 minutes per game.
Moving Aldridge means this season is a wash unless they go on a magical run. The Spurs will want talent in return but how much will teams be willing to surrender for a 34-year old player known for a bit of grumpiness? One drawback of any deal could be the remaining year he has left on his deal. Aldridge won’t become a free agent until 2021 with a cap hit of $24M.
One of the possible teams on a short-list could be the Portland Trail Blazers.
Could this become a reality this season? There’s a good chance that the Portland Trail Blazers and LaMarcus Aldridge could reunite. Although Blazers’ fans are still on the fence, this would be a wise decision by the Blazers’ front office. However, Aldridge will not come cheap. To snag Aldridge they will have to give up someone of importance. The logical choice the Spurs would want is CJ McCollum.
It may seem like a stretch for Portland considering the age difference here. McCollum will be 29 next season while Aldridge will be 35. This is where the Blazers can play hardball. No need to give away young talent for a player who has maybe three more seasons left in his legs. A package of a first-rounder and young talent like Skai Labissiere should get the deal done.
At this point, the Spurs may just be thinking rebuild here and that means that the Blazers may get away with highway robbery. All they may ask is for cheaper young talent and a first-rounder in the 2020 NBA Draft. If that’s the case, then why not get this deal done? Even with the addition of Carmelo Anthony, the Balzers still need help in the frontcourt. Imagine a lineup that features, Aldridge, Anthony, Hassan Whiteside, McCollum, and Lillard.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
