JUNE 22, 9:21am: The Spurs have spoken to at least three teams about dealing Aldridge for a Top 10 pick in tonight’s draft, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Michael C. Wright report.
JUNE 21, 7:29pm: The Spurs appear to be exploring a number of options for possible roster moves as the offseason gets underway. In the wake of a report on the team’s willingness to entertain a Danny Green trade, multiple outlets are suggesting that San Antonio is gauging the market on LaMarcus Aldridge as well.
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link), the Spurs offered up Aldridge in an effort to move into the top five of the draft. While Gambadoro doesn’t specify which team the Spurs talked to, he’s plugged in when it comes to the Suns, so if Gambadoro’s report is accurate, it’s probably safe to assume San Antonio asked Phoenix about its No. 4 pick.
Meanwhile, Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net also notes (via Twitter) that the Spurs are believed to be dangling Aldridge as a way of moving into the lottery. Amico cites one executive who tells him to “watch out for the Kings.” Sacramento has the Nos. 5 and 10 overall picks.
As Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News observes (via Twitter), the Spurs will be open to doing due diligence on possible trade scenarios involving anyone not named Kawhi Leonard. So even though Aldridge’s name is out there, that doesn’t mean anything is close or that a deal will ultimately be made.
Still, as I wrote in our story on Green, it seems the Spurs – who have been linked to top free agents like Chris Paul – are exploring ways to cut costs and create extra cap room. Aldridge’s $21.46MM salary for 2017/18 is currently the largest cap number on San Antonio’s books for next season. If the team were to move him without taking much salary back, that would go a long way toward opening up maximum-salary space for a free agent.
Aldridge, who is set to enter the third year of his four-year pact with the Spurs, saw his production dip a little last season. His 17.3 PPG represented the lowest mark since his rookie season, and his .477 FG% was a career worst. He’ll be eligible to opt out of his contract in 2018.
Celtics because could put him at PF and then Spurs can draft Jackson to play PF.
Nah Boston will either use the pick, trade back again, or package it with other stuff for a superstar, Mr just a star.
Wtf does Lamarcus do for the Celtics? The C’s are either keeping the puck & taking Tatum
Jackson is a big SG or a SF
Suns?
I think the Celtics need a tougher big at the rim. Butler’s not that guy but I’ve always thought they should get him and a killer three point shooter. Not asking for much, huh?
That’s asking for the whole world if you’re asking Forman and Paxson.
Oh wow I read that terribly wrong. Sorry. But Boston has been trying to develop those guys and Horford didn’t really fit the bill as that tough big. I think the guy you’re talking about doesn’t work in the NBA anymore, the Drummonds and Howards are worthless now. I can see them killing two birds with one stone and trading for Porzingis though.
Kevin Love for Lamarcus Aldridge
Why would the Cavs do that deal? Love is a better 3pt shooter and stretches the floor, is a better rebounder and better passer. Aldridge is a better rim protector but he isn’t great enough to make up for his limitations.
Neither of them are rim protectors lol but Kevin Love would fit the Spurs system much better than Aldridge’s high post iso offense. Better passer and rebounder than Aldridge.
You very right if anything the Spurs would be benefiting way more than the Cavs.
How about this … Spurs trade Aldridge to Phoenix for their #4 and another player. The Spurs then trade that #4 and Danny Green to the Knicks for Kristaps Porzingis …
Knicks never do that deal. Danny Green…child please.
Must not seen how the Knicks operate
Their operation has been a painful reminder daily for the past decade and change. Growing tired of Dolan’s poor decisions (Thomas, Jackson) and Jackson’s ego.
Just due diligence. Likely not going to move him, but would consider it for an obvious move. What about LaMarcus, Kyle Anderson, 2017 2nd round pick, 2018 2nd round pick for DeAndre Jordan, assuming the Clippers break up? Off the top of my head. Not saying either side would do it
I bet they one hundred percent move him. Hasn’t been happy and doesn’t fit and the playoffs and trade rumors won’t help. They will lose him for nothing if not
Aldridge could end up in Sacremento.
Why would any team trade a top 10 pick for this guy? Did anybody watch the Spurs last year? Particularly he playoffs..
Not his fault dude, he’s not used to playing in Pop’s system. In Portland it was a more free offense, Aldridge is not a good fit with Pop. Maybe the Blazers should trade both their picks back for Aldridge, he belongs in Portland and the Blazers would be absolutelt terrifying with a nucleus of Lillard,McCollum,Aldridge, Nurkic.
It is Aldridge fault. Gets easy mid range all day. Lost his aggression. Thinks too slow on when to pass or shoot. He is used to being a black hole so he struggles on the fly
Timbercubbies may jump on this
Rubio and #7?
Actually what the Spurs are doing is exploring a way out of his contract.
Who do y’all think the wolves could/should get at center/of to play with towns
Drummond, Aldridge, Milsap, griffin, jordan
And who would we have to give up. 1st round pick next year and Shabbaz Muhammad, dieng. Be enough?
Griffin would be interesting in Minnesota, don’t see him leaving LA though.