LaMarcus Aldridge (Photo : Getty Images)
The San Antonio Spurs could trade LaMarcus Aldridge before the deadline and here are three teams that should consider making a run at the All-Star center.
The Spurs and Aldridge could part ways before this season's trade deadline, with San Antonio's experiment not living up to their expectations, according to ESPN's Jackie MacMullan. During an appearance on CSN New England, MacMullan said Aldridge could be traded at some point this season.
"For instance, sources were telling me the other day that LaMarcus Aldridge may not even finish the year with the Spurs. That experiment hasn't quite worked out the way they hoped," McMullan said.
LaMarcus Aldridge isn't happy that he isn't the number one guy. Felt that the Spurs pitched to him that he would be the go to guy (SAEN)
- NBA RETWEET (@RTNBA) October 19, 2016
Aldridge, who signed a four-year $80 million deal with the Spurs last summer, posted solid numbers in his first season playing for San Antonio, averaging 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. While it is too early to assess Aldridge's impact for the Spurs this season, ESPN's Zach Lower believes trading him as a viable option for San Antonio if the team underperforms.
"The Spurs will see if this team outperforms expectations. If it doesn't, they should take calls on Aldridge. He's really good, and there are a lot of impatient owners chasing immediate gratification," Lowe wrote. Several teams could be interested in trading for Aldridge, but only a handful have the assets to orchestrate such deal.
Los Angeles Lakers 
(Photo : Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
This could be the right timing for LA to finally acquire Aldridge, who was on top of their list in last year's free agency. With plenty of tradable assets in their fold, the Lakers should swing for the fence now and get Aldridge to help them speed up their quest to becoming title contenders.
Aldridge would give the Lakers an offensive weapon at the frontcourt. Suiting up for the Lakers who are already stacked at the center position, would also allow Aldridge to play his natural position at the four spot and serve as mentor to the LA's core of young talents. However, trading for Aldridge won't come cheap.
A midseason deal for the Lakers could feature any of LA's summer acquisitions. One possible scenario is sending Timofey Mozgov to the Spurs, including Julius Randle to sweeten up the deal. Mozgov would provide the Spurs a big man who could be a better fit playing Popovich's schemes, while Randle gives San Antonio a young talent they can develop.
While it remains to be seen whether the Spurs would consider such deal, Aldridge would probably want to join a contender if he gets traded.
Toronto Raptors 
(Photo : Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
Despite successfully retaining DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, the Raptors are still not expected to strongly contend for a title, not without another All-Star caliber player in their lineup. With Aldridge possibly on the trading block, the Raptors could see him as an option to improve their roster.
In SB Nation's trade scenario, the Raptors could send Jonas Valanciunas and Cory Jospeh to the Spurs for Aldridge, a deal which works under NBA salary guidelines. Valanciunas fill in as San Antonio's starting center, while Joseph gives the Spurs another solid option at the point guard spot.
"It'll probably take a lot to get Aldridge from the Spurs, but also remember Masai Ujiri was relentless with his pursuit of him two summers ago, and there could be mutual interest there," Steven LeBron of SB Nation's Raptors HQ wrote.
But while Adding Aldridge would help the Raptors offensively, he could be a liability on the defensive end. Losing Bismack Biyombo this summer should push the Raptors to trade for a defensive big man like Nerlens Noel. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see if Toronto would develop strong interest in acquiring Aldridge.
Boston Celtics
(Photo : Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Celtics may be the perfect destination for Aldridge and the perfect trade partner for the Spurs.
It is no secret that the Celtics are still looking at possible trades that could improve their roster and boost their chances of becoming legit title contenders. With plenty of assets at their disposal, the Celtics could entice the Spurs to ultimately move on from Aldridge.
Matt Moore of CBS Sports explored a trade scenario that could work for both teams. In Moore's suggested deal, the Celtics would send Jae Crowder or Avery Bradley, along with the Brooklyn Nets pick, to the Spurs for Aldridge, giving Boston an All-Star frontcourt duo that would get the attention of contending teams.
"The Celtics would be a natural fit, as Aldridge would be worth losing Avery Bradley or Jae Crowder along with the Nets pick for, and would make them a serious force in the East with LMA next to Al Horford," Moore wrote.
Aldridge and Horford together creates offensive versatility for the Celtics, with both big men capable of scoring inside and outside the paint. Aldridge could play at the four spot, while Horford starts at the center position.
It is unclear whether the Celtics are determined to facilitate a blockbuster deal at this point. But if stars like DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmy Butler won't be available, Boston should consider Aldridge as an alternative.
