LaMarcus Aldridge’s time with the San Antonio Spurs is over. Gregg Popovich himself confirmed the development on Wednesday, noting that Aldridge will no longer be returning to the team.
According to Coach Pop, Aldridge and the Spurs have “mutually agreed for him to work on some opportunities elsewhere,” suggesting that they are now working on finding a suitable trade partner for the veteran big man.
Gregg Popvich says the San Antonio Spurs are working on a trade scenarios for LaMarcus Aldridge.
He’s healthy, but not currently with the team as both sides pursue ‘opportunities to move him elsewhere.’
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— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 11, 2021
The decision marks the end of LaMarcus Aldridge’s career with the Spurs that lasted for six seasons. He signed with San Antonio in 2015 after nine years with the Portland Trail Blazers, initially inking a four-year, $80 million deal.
While Aldridge wasn’t able to lead the Spurs to the Finals, he did help the team stay relevant and compete in the tough Western Conference. In 376 games with the team, he averaged 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks.
In the 2020-21 season, he has been riddled with injuries and health issues. Last February, he suffered a hip injury that cost him six games. Before the All-Star break, he also missed their last two games due to stomach illness. His numbers have gone down on the season though, averaging just 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per outing.
It remains to be seen where the Spurs will trade Aldridge. However, considering the team made it publicly, it seems that there’s a deal for him pending or they are already in deep discussions for a trade.
For what it’s worth, LMA can definitely still contribute, especially to a contending team. While he is no longer the same Aldridge who used to score at will with his length and shooting, there’s no doubt his experience and production can prove beneficial to a title hopeful.
