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 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks whie shooting .517 percent from the floor and playing 32.8 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.
Here are 5 teams who should have an interest in a LaMarcus Aldridge trade.
5. 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.
4. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are struggling and some fans believe they're just playing this season out waiting until Kevin Durant arrives. The Nets are in a great position and could offer the Spurs exactly what they need. The Spurs need a paint presence and the Nets could offer DeAndre Jordan. If the Spurs elect to move DeMar DeRozan as well, they will need a backcourt presence too.
That's one position the Nets are loaded in with Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie. With Durant sure to come back next season, Taurean Prince is another piece they could offer up. Pairing Aldridge with Irving, Durant, and Jarrett Allen would give the Nets an instant championship-caliber team.
3. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are playing hard this year and have done so without their young center Deandre Ayton. With Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio leading the charge, the Suns have had time to let their other young players gain valuable experience. Gaining a veteran like LaMarcus Aldridge in the post will do wonders for Rubio and Booker.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Aldridge could help Ayton develop a better low post-game. The Suns do have the young pieces the Spurs crave and with a first-rounder attached, this could be a great move for both teams.
2. Houston Rockets
The Rockets will have a serious decision to make this year. Depending on how Clint Capela plays, his name could be on the trade block come trade deadline time. He has not lived up to the money he's being paid. The Rockets are a perimeter-based team and post play has been one of their weakest points.
Adding Aldridge would instantly change that. His presence would allow James Harden and Russell Westbrook more space to operate which will open up better outside shots for the perimeter players. An Aldridge for Capela deal could be worked out as the Rockets are in win-now mode while the Spurs can have a post player to hopefully build around.
1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets may benefit the most from having Aldridge. Although they currently have Paul Milsap and his 13.5 points per game, Milsap still carries a $30M price tag. This deal can work out in the Nuggets favor due to Milsap becoming a free agent this summer. Trading him now would better their chances for a championship run as they try to keep pace with the Lakers and Clippers.
Pairing Aldridge with Nikola Jokic will give them a frontcourt capable of matching up better with the dynamic duos of LeBron James/Anthony Davis and Paul George/Kawhi Leonard. The final year on Aldridge's deal (2021) may have the Nuggets thinking twice. However, if the opportunity to win is at their doorstep, Aldridge may be too good to pass up.
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