Can the Blazers afford him?
Aldridge is unfortunately under contract with the Spurs through the 2019-20 season with an extra unguaranteed year attached if San Antonio wishes to retain him. That means the Portland Trail Blazers must make a move to get Aldridge via the trade market unless they’re content on waiting until 2020 free agency (or possibly later) for a reunion.
Namburi: I don’t think the contract is an issue at all. $26 million for essentially a perennial All-Star that is on a pretty team friendly deal, especially when you consider other deals currently in place. Like I said earlier, only $7 million is guaranteed for the 2020-21 season. That being the case, I do not like Aldridge on the team. I will explain further in the next slide, but in today’s NBA, it does not make sense to play two bigs (Aldridge and Nurkic) a heavy figure, and that is before accounting for Zach Collins‘ rookie extension/second contract.
Carroll: While paying Aldridge a hefty sum doesn’t seem ideal on paper, the opportunity cost of NOT getting him is too high to let this potential deal pass if it’s on the table. While the Blazers will have a little money to spend in 2020 free agency next summer, it will be impossible to open max space for a free agent without giving up valuable role players like Rodney Hood, Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little. It makes much more sense to add to the core of this current team than to rip it apart from the inside in a major change.
Namburi: I do agree that the value that Aldridge could individually bring to the Blazers exceeds whatever the team likely would give up for him, but I will again go back to my position on big men. In my opinion, it is not fiscally responsible to have three players whose best position is center, all on relatively large contracts. This money is better served by being allocated to wing players, even if there is a slight talent drop. But to answer the question, Portland could definitely afford him.
Carroll: In order to bring Aldridge on board with the Portland Trail Blazers this season, it would likely require sending out the expiring contract of Hassan Whiteside to make the salaries match. This move is also probably made under the assumption Nurkic will be able to contribute and play at a somewhat-high level after returning from injury in February. Therefore, the logjam at center would be cleared up to make for a more balanced roster as a whole. A tandem of Nurkic and Aldridge would make a combined $36 million next season, which is still less than Chris Paul will be getting paid — if that makes you feel any better.