Rip City Project
Fansided

Portland Trail Blazers: Pass or pursue on 3 recently rumoured targets

By Stevie Cozens

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 22: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on January 22, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 22: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on January 22, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers pass or pursue target two – LaMarcus Aldridge

Though this was never a confirmed rumor by any major NBA insiders, the LaMarcus Aldridge rumors are always floating around when it comes to free agency and the trade deadline.

Aldridge has spent the last five seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, leaving the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency after the 2014/15 season.

Though the Spurs didn’t make the playoffs this past season, Aldridge had one of the strongest individual years of his career. He had career highs in three-point makes and blocks per game, and overall, this was the second-highest shooting efficiency he’s ever had in a season – true shooting of 57 percent.

Aldridge has one year left on his deal with the Spurs, but I can’t see them moving him or another NBA team looking to make a trade to bring him in. Though his production at 35-years-old is impressive, 18.9 points, 7.4 rebounds – why would a team give up assets to bring in someone of his age who will be a free agent in 12 months?

I feel this exact way in terms of any thoughts around the Blazers acquiring him. The Blazers would have to give up Trevor Ariza, Rodney Hood, and a young player to make the salaries work, and the Spurs may then demand a pick. There is no way that Neil Olshey guts the roster for 35-year old Aldridge, who would then need to get paid again in 2021.

I like the idea of Aldridge joining the Blazers in 2021 in free agency, depending on what his market is. But, for now, in the upcoming free agency, it’s a pass.

Verdict – pass