The most commonly talked about trade idea for Aldridge floating around the internet right now involves swapping another newly acquired big man. By including Hassan Whiteside in a potential trade, extra players required to make salaries match aren’t necessary, which gives him extra value as a trade asset.
This move would have to be made under the assumption that Jusuf Nurkic is following his recovery timeline and will be able to contribute a significant amount to Portland’s playoff run even if not 100 percent healthy.
By making this trade, the Spurs net themselves an extra draft pick in exchange for a younger (but still talented) player at the center position. As this season progresses, Whiteside will likely prove he isn’t the locker room cancer he was in Miami. Playing under Terry Stotts and next to Damian Lillard can have that effect on you.
Since neither Whiteside or Jusuf Nurkic are threats from the perimeter, it probably makes more sense to ship one out (again, provided Nurkic comes back relatively healthy) for another star player without a redundant skill set.
Aldridge isn’t exactly a sniper, but he might look like it in comparison to Whiteside. LMA’s mid-range game is among the best in the NBA, backed up by the fact he led all players in 2-point field goals made last year.
By making this trade, the Portland Trail Blazers would clearly become an even better version of last year’s Western Conference Finals team. Aldridge and a healthy Nurkic are clearly superior to a frontcourt of Al-Farouq Aminu and Enes Kanter. Coupled with the development of the young core, this team has the makings of a championship contender.