The San Antonio Spurs on Monday afternoon made the surprising decision to ink former All-Star big man LaMarcus Aldridge to a three-year, $72.3 million extension just prior to the start of the 2017-18 campaign.
A day after the move, the 32-year-old made it a point to dispel any notion that he was unhappy about his situation in San Antonio while also voicing excitement about what lies ahead, according to Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio-Express News.
“It has to because signing that means both sides wanted it,” Aldridge said Tuesday. “It’s not one-sided. I’m happy to sign it. I feel like they are happy to have me sign it. I feel like everything is great.”
There had been much chatter over the last several months concerning Aldridge's unhappiness with his role within the Spurs' offensive system being a secondary option to All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard. All of this had appeared to come to a head over the offseason with San Antonio reportedly shopping him a few days prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, but nothing truly came about from it all.
This move now completely reverse course on that perception as it means that Aldridge remains a huge part of the Spurs' plans moving forward over the next few seasons. It could entail him receiving a larger offensive role that he has desired since joining the team a few summers ago that may see him return to All-Star form.
For the time being, the Spurs have locked up one of their core pieces to a long-term deal that should help keep them in the championship window for a few more seasons.
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