Trade #3
This is by far the least favorable of the trades. Jusuf Nurkic has cemented himself as one of the best centers in the NBA and a building block for the Portland Trail Blazers. In fact, Nurkic leads the team in plus minus and net rating.
It is even debatable whether this trade would make the Blazers that much better. Aldridge is certainly a more talented scorer than Nurkic, but Nurkic is a better defender and playmaker.
At age 24 and in the first year of a 4 year contract extension worth $48 million, Nurkic’s trade value is immense, and his best basketball is still ahead of him. This would certainly be a smart deal for the Spurs long term. Meyers Leonard is included to make the salaries work, but his expiring deal would also take over $10 million off San Antonio’s books next summer.
Sure, the Blazers would get their guy, but it might not be the smartest move. Nevertheless, if the front office is determined to get Aldridge back and the Spurs are not motivated to trade him, this deal is in the cards.