Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: A Potential Trade With Every NBA Team

By Spencer Poole

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images) /

San Antonio Spurs

Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge making a triumphant return to Portland has been rumored for some time now and with the Blazers’ current weakness at the power forward position, they need him more than ever.

Aldridge is one of the oldest starters in the league at 35 years old but with modern medicine and physical therapy, players are performing at a high level longer than ever before. He has shown no signs of slowing down so far.

Since turning thirty, Aldridge has made three all-star games, averaged over 20 points per game twice, and just averaged 1.6 blocks per game last season. In some ways, he is even still improving. Just last season he developed a consistent three-point shot, making nearly 39 percent of his 157 attempts.

While regression is to be expected over the next few seasons, all signs point to Aldridge continuing to be a top-tier starter for at least a while longer who could help push the Trail Blazers over the edge in a competitive western conference.

Why It Makes Sense for San Antonio:

After missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades and with both of their star players on the wrong side of 30, the San Antonio Spurs are staring a rebuild in the face. To begin their rebuild they need to flip the contracts of both DeMar DeRozan (another player linked to Portland) and LaMarcus Aldridge.

In return for Aldridge, San Antonio would be getting some valuable assets for the future, especially for a player who is 35 years old. Nassir Little gives the Spurs much-needed youth at the forward positions who will have plenty of time to get minutes and develop on a rebuilding team. And a 2021 first-round pick gives them more draft capital to help in building a new young core. Trevor Ariza can come in and provide veteran leadership and all-around quality defense without sacrificing cap space long term.