Portland Trail Blazers are having a tough time to rebuild their roster as the trade deals are closing in. While most of the top NBA stars have already made their decision, there are a few names which are still free agents. One of them is LaMarcus Aldridge who might be thinking to reunite with Portland after a new deal.
Pau Gasol, the center for Trail Blazers has hinted that Aldridge might be back in their team soon. As of right now, Aldridge is under the contract of San Antonio Spurs and they have no interest in extending his contract. Here are the reasons why Aldridge and Portland trade is almost confirmed.
Salary Issues at Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge is currently 34 years old and has been playing for the San Antonio Spurs for the last four years. Before that, Aldridge played for nine straight seasons for the Portland city and have a special connection with them. Even though Aldridge has been doing great with the Spurs, it is nowhere close to his original stats at Trail Blazers.
The 6-foot 11-inch NBA star has been putting out averages of 20 and 10 like Kawhi Leonard. Aldridge got a 2-year extension for $50 million in 2017 with the Spurs, but he is only guaranteed $6 million if he isn’t waved by June 29, 2020. Given the age of LaMarcus, there is no point in waiting for the waiver and getting a better deal in the current year would be an obvious choice.
Trade is Personal and not Business
Portland has always been home to LaMarcus Aldridge and he has spent his most of his career in here. Damian Lillard and Pau Gasol are like brothers to him and he would like to play with them for one last time. It is a known fact that most of the NBA players retire around the age of 35 and Aldridge won’t be any exception.
LaMarcus Aldridge has hinted that he may want to return to Portland one day.
(via Sean Highkin) pic.twitter.com/3X8nE1Agpd
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) July 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/bluewirepods/status/1155911095665790976
When Gasol is asked about his relationship with LaMarcus Aldridge, he mentioned Aldridge's comments about potentially returning to Portland at some point.
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) July 29, 2019
In such times, playing basketball is not just a business for him, it is a personal choice. A reunion with Trail Blazers have the sentimental touch to it and they would also like Aldridge back in their roster. In the next few days, the deal can be made official and Aldridge will wear the Portland jersey once again.
