Rip City Project
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3 scenarios to bring LaMarcus Aldridge back to the Portland Trail Blazers

By Stevie Cozens

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 21: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 21, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 21: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 21, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 04: Damian Lillard /

LaMarcus Aldridge return scenario two  – more likely.

The second scenario would be that Aldridge would finish the 2020/21 season with the Spurs, then come over to the Blazers in a sign and trade deal.

The Blazers would likely be over the cap, so by initiating a sign and trade, they could still bring Aldridge in. The Spurs wouldn’t lose him for nothing. Similar players could be used in the trade, and then the Blazers could sign Aldridge to a team-friendly deal. I would give Aldridge a two-year deal in 2021, providing his excellent health is a trend that continues.

This year’s free agency, and which forwards the Blazers sign, will determine how the next year or so goes with the frontcourt rotation. Currently, Jusuf Nurkic is the only piece that is locked into the frontcourt longterm.

Ariza will be 36 this season, so he is just a one-year rental. Carmelo Anthony could come back for one year as well, but he will be 37 soon.

Collins could go either way, but I could see Aldridge as backup five behind Nurkic even if Collins does work out. If he doesn’t, Aldridge could play some four as well. I’m not certain that Collins is a long-term power forward, so if his true position is center, the Blazers may not want to pay $10 million-plus a year for a back up to Nurkic.

If the Blazers could make a small sign and trade work, they could have a backup for a few years in Aldridge, and a vet who played in this system with some of the playing and coaching personnel.