There’s been a lot of noise lately regarding LaMarcus Aldridge‘s impending free agency. What was once thought to be a done deal – that is, Aldridge signing a max deal in Portland – is apparently anything but. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, another team has emerged near the top of Aldridge’s list:
Yet sources insist — yes, at this early juncture — that San Antonio is near or at the top of Aldridge’s list … unless the Cleveland Cavaliers were to lose Kevin Love and then somehow manufacture a way to sign-and-trade for him.
Aldridge turned down an extension last summer in order to become an unrestricted free agent and get as big of a contract as possible this summer. Still, even though Aldridge didn’t sign the extension, he reiterated his desire to stay in Portland, saying he wanted to go down as the best player in Trail Blazers history. So what’s changed since then? The Blazers were well on their way to being a legitimate threat in the postseason until a bevy of late-season injuries derailed any hopes of contending. But if they bring everyone back, there’s no reason they can’t at least replicate their success. Why would Aldridge want to leave that? As Stein reports, it may come down to two factors: Damian Lillard and the urge for something new.
The rumbles are out there, thus impossible to ignore, that Aldridge is said to feel somewhat underappreciated in Rip City because of the ever-growing focus inside and outside the organization on backcourt darling Damian Lillard
Combine that with the inevitable wanderlust that sets in after nine seasons in the same city — and just one trip beyond the first round of the playoffs in that span — and a top-shelf big man long presumed to be a lock to stay with the home team is suddenly in play.
This first part shouldn’t be all that surprising. Aldridge has a history of feeling under-appreciated in comparison to other players on the team. He maintains that the Blazers didn’t believe in him when he first got to the team, and he’s carried that perceived slight with him every day. Although, if jealousy is Aldridge’s motivation, San Antonio may not be his ideal destination, as the Spurs are already building around Kawhi Leonard.
It’s important to remember, as Stein notes, that it’s still incredibly early in the process. The Spurs may or may not have the lead now, but the Mavericks, Knicks and even Lakers are in play as well. And if Aldridge’s exit interview is any indication, the Trail Blazers certainly aren’t out of the equation – not by a long shot.
“Of course I love being here, and I’m thankful for everything this city has given me, thankful for my time here,” Aldridge said. “It’s been an amazing nine years and of course I’m not trying to make that end.”
Aldridge’s future is still uncertain, but one thing that is clear is that it’s going to be a long, anxious summer for both the Blazers and their fans.
(ESPN)
