LaMarcus Aldridge is a consistent tall man who has averaged 13.7 PPG and 4.5 RPG so far this season. He plays the lowest minutes of his career. Aldridge still has something in the tank, however, and he’s a talented player who would be an X-factor in the playoffs. He could score a few points from any great man and add another dimension to his offense.
Recently, San Antonio Spurs manager Gregg Popovich announced that the San Antonio Spurs will part ways with LaMarcus Aldridge. That means he may find a new team very soon. The team would likely be a competitor since Aldridge is an older player who has not yet won a championship and he would likely go to a team that can compete in the playoffs. Here are the top 5 destinations for LaMarcus Aldridge.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks Received: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs receive: Dwight Powell, James Johnson, a future first round election
For the Dallas Mavericks, this move could signal an intention to continue to surround Luka Doncic with elite talent. This roster could also use a veteran to steer them in the right direction as it is currently a low playoff seed sitting at the eighth seed of the Western Conference. LaMarcus Aldridge could offer a very consistent presence indoors and he would perhaps fit as a third offensive option behind Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. His mentoring could be crucial for a team with a young superstar: we’ve seen many players praise the veterans who helped them early in their careers.
At the end of the San Antonio Spurs, that deal would enable them to make a future first choice for Aldridge’s expiring contract. In return, they would also get a solid big man in Dwight Powell, as well as James Johnson’s expiring contract. This would be a good deal for them as it gives them a first choice for an older player so they can upgrade.
4. Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Received: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs receive: Tristan Thompson, Daniel Theis and Grant Williams, a future election for the second round
The Boston Celtics have been linked to two great men recently. Nikola Vucevic and Jerami Grant. Both are solid tall men who offer a certain size for their squad and are useful on both ends of the floor because of their offensive skills. LaMarcus Aldridge is a senior player than both, but he offers both of these things. Aldridge shoots a career high of 3.6 attempts from a distance and converts them at a 36.0% mark. This is good shooting for a center and would be useful for spacing the ground next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. LaMarcus Aldridge would also own fewer assets in a trade due to his contractual status and age.
The San Antonio Spurs would receive some solid veterans in return for Aldridge. Both Tristan Thompson and Daniel Theis are capable tall men who can deliver quality minutes in the middle position. Daniel Theis will be a free agent at the end of the season, which means the Spurs can sign him if he performs or let him go if he doesn’t. Grant Williams is the young piece that would come out in the Aldridge deal: Williams is a solid defender with multiple positions who can also take the 3PT shot. 3 and D players are valuable on any roster, and perhaps the San Antonio Spurs development system will affect Williams as it does others and improve his game. The future round two pick is the sweetener in this deal to get her across the finish line.
3. Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs received: Ivica Zubac, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Terance Mann
The Los Angeles Clippers have a solid roster, but trading in more offensive firepower wouldn’t be the worst move in the world. LaMarcus Aldridge could become a sixth man for the Clippers and light up opposing bank units with his offense. He would also play a huge role when the Los Angeles Clippers competed against teams of talented tall men, like the Denver Nuggets with Nikola Jokic. LaMarcus Aldridge would allow them to address certain matchups in the playoffs while maintaining a solid two-way presence in the roster.
The Los Angeles Clippers would have to give up a quartet of players for this trade. Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams are both elite veterans. Patrick Beverley is great at defense while Lou Williams is a consistent goalscorer. Ivica Zubac is a talented tall man who only has minutes on the clippers list. He could potentially get the minutes he needs to continue his development on the San Antonio Spurs. Terance Mann is a younger player who can offer some ground clearance. This trade gives the Spurs a solid number of players to work with in the present and future.
2. Portland Trail Blazer
Portland Trail Blazer Received: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs received: Rodney Hood, Derrick Jones Jr., Nassir Little, 2021 Portland first choice
The Portland Trail Blazers are the franchise that LaMarcus Aldridge began his career in: with this deal, Aldridge could return. Aside from being a sentimental reunion, he could still make a useful contribution on a team with championship aspirations. Reuniting with Damian Lillard could potentially allow Aldridge to compete at a high level as Damian Lillard is a clear superstar. He would give them solid minutes in the middle or in the power forward position.
The Portland Trail Blazers would have to send out some solid assets to do the deal here. Rodney Hood and Derrick Jones Jr. would be there for salary purposes. Derrick Jones Jr., in particular, could come in handy for being a energetic defender with dazzling athleticism. Nassir Little would be the young prospect in this business and the first round selection would be of little value, but a first round selection nonetheless. This would be a solid package to get LaMarcus Aldridge into a franchise that is sentimental to him.
1. Miami Heat
Miami Heat Receive: LaMarcus Aldridge
San Antonio Spurs receive: Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk, Precious Achiuwa, 2021 Miami first choice
The Miami Heat are currently the sixth seed of the Eastern Conference. Although they make it through to the finals during the NBA bubble, they are currently a lower seed that apparently cannot compete against the heavyweights in the east simply because of the caliber of talent that is present in the conference. Perhaps a trade could send them in the right direction and give them an extra boost to do well in the playoffs. The Heat has already been rumored to have an interest in LaMarcus Aldridge. LaMarcus Aldridge could provide the Miami Heat with a high quality rebounder and shooter which is useful for most competing teams.
Andre Iguodala and Kelly Olynyk are both there for the LaMarcus Aldridge contract, but they’re both quality veterans who have run successful franchises. Precious Achiuwa was recently drafted with the 20th election in the 2020 NBA draft and could be a great man that the San Antonio Spurs are developing. The pick for the first round in Miami in 2021 would also be a solid acquisition for this year’s design. This deal would be good for both teams and would allow them to pursue their own goals.
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