Spurs could trade Aldridge

The Spurs have always been a championship contending team, having made it to 19 straight NBA Playoffs appearances.

So why are rumors circulating that the star power forward will be traded before the end of the year?

There are a lot of new Spurs to familiarize yourself with heading into this season, but one that merits early consideration is a guy whose name has actually floated around the organization for years. So, he looked to go elsewhere and joined the San Antonio Spurs, who had the necessary cap room to sign him. Aldridge knew Duncan was basically setting up to retire when he went to visit and inked the deal last summer. Despite the fact that the San Antonio Spurs won 67 games in the previous season, and Aldridge had the most efficient year of his National Basketball Association career, there are a few variables to be considered. In an interview with CSN New England, MacMullan, citing sources, said that Aldridge may not finish the year in San Antonio.

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The Spurs paid Aldridge handsomely. In particular, the team was hoping to make Aldridge its primary offensive weapon, but it hasn’t turned out that way, especially with the steady and solid performance of Kawhi Leonard.

“I’m winning. Of course I’m happy”, Aldridge said. He cites the Gasol signing as an indication that the Spurs are in win-now mode, and ultimately decides that a deal being worked out for Aldridge is unlikely. He was a hot commodity and he was expected to be a building block for the future. But why would they want to trade him? Particularly, he was told to be the forthcoming premiere player of the team, but was halted with the continued improvement of Kawhi Leonard. Even during his days with the Portland Trail Blazers where he spent nine seasons (2006-14), it was said that he was not really amused with Damien Lillard stealing all and left the old association for the Spurs. I expect this type of behavior from a rookie, not a seasoned vet.

Though there are no concrete trade rumors involving Ben McLemore at the moment, it appears more likely that he could be on his way out of Sacramento.

Jared Sullinger is a big body, but not the free agent splash the team or its fans had hoped for over the off season.

As Haynes explained, this could be in McLemore’s best interest.

It’s safe to say that the Spurs are not remotely looking at moving Aldridge, but it seems equally safe to say that is not a long-term designation. Also, he shot 38.8% from beyond the three point line.