The LaMarcus Aldridge adventure in San Antonio may be cut short during only his second season with the Spurs.
On the heels of prior reports of the team potentially pulling the trigger on a trade involving the Dallas native if the team doesn't outperform their expectations come new reports of Aldridge's unhappiness with Kawhi Leonard‘s emergence as the number one option on offense.
ESPN columnist Jackie MacMullan shared her insight on the situation in an interview with CSN New England. When asked if she would want Aldridge to come to Boston, since the Celtics are loaded with draft picks, she responded:
“No. Not after what I heard the other day I don't. Of course, you would take him on if you could because he's an automatic double-double. But there's just some things about him. There is some stuff going on maybe.”
Those close to the situation suggest Aldridge may be unhappy at the moment. The belief is that the Spurs pitched him on being the centerpiece of the team when attempting to recruit him. A team source is refuting any claims of unrest, however, saying Aldridge is a part of the team's future.
Aldridge's numbers have taken a considerable dip, tallying 18 points and 8.5 rebounds in his first year in San Antonio – a vast difference from his 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds he averaged during his last year in Portland.
The Spurs have also played him five minutes less than the prior year, which is likely the reason for his steep decline. On the other hand, Leonard had the best season of his career and took a second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award home at the end of the season.
The team isn't likely to be worried about Aldridge's statistical prowess as much as his fit in the system. Truth is, both Tim Duncan and Pau Gasol are better rim protectors than the 6-foot-11 forward, and that could be a reason they could consider shipping Aldridge at some point.
Leonard is 26 years old and in his rise to superstardom, while the 31-year-old Aldridge might be looking for an extension to set himself up for the rest of his career. He is currently in the second year of a four-year, $80 million deal with the team.
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