The San Antonio Spurs were unable to find a trade partner for veteran big man LaMarcus Aldridge prior to Thursday afternoon's deadline. Alas, the two sides will settle for a buyout.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports the Spurs are “proceeding” with a buyout of Aldridge, who will become an unrestricted free agent and free to sign with the team of his choosing.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski says the Heat are the frontrunners for Aldridge's services

This was always in the cards in the event the Spurs could not find a deal. Aldridge was on an expiring deal and has no real place on San Antonio's roster, especially with the Spurs looking to give more minutes to younger frontcourt players such as Jakob Poeltl.

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Aldridge now has control over his own market. It remains to be seen where he will land, but it sure looks like Miami is the likely destination. Marc Stein of The New York Times recently reported the Heat were considered the favorite to sign Aldridge if he orchestrated a buyout:

“A big week looms for the Miami Heat, who continue to strongly covet Kyle Lowry via trade and who league sources increasingly peg as the most likely landing spot for LaMarcus Aldridge — provided San Antonio can’t find an Aldridge trade before Thursday’s deadline and buys him out,” Stein said, via SB Nation.

Miami might be even more keen on adding Aldridge after striking out on Kyle Lowry. The Heat did acquire Victor Oladipo prior to the deadline, but could probably use added depth in the frontcourt. Aldridge has upside as a guy who can pick-and-pop and face up.

It should not be long before LaMarcus Aldridge finds a new team.