The Memphis Grizzlies could be one of the potential destinations for LaMarcus Aldridge in a three-way deal that would see the San Antonio Spurs acquiring Kevin Love from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Many teams were probably put on alert after ESPN's Jackie MacMullan claimed that LaMarcus Aldridge may no longer be with the Spurs when the season ends as their "experiment hasn't quite worked out the way they hoped." Zach Lowe, another ESPN NBA insider, also explored the possibility of the Spurs trading Aldridge if the team underperforms this season.
"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.
While Aldridge has strongly denied rumors of his possible exit in San Antonio, insisting that no one from the Spurs organization has talked to him about getting traded, a team like the Grizzlies could be interested in trading for the All-Star center in a three-way trade involving the Cavs' Kevin Love.
Ryan Schmitz of Sports Illustrated's Fansided explored three trade ideas Memphis could consider to acquire Aldridge from the Spurs. One of the most intriguing scenario is the Grizzlies sending Zach Randolph, Brendan Wright and Tony Allen to the Cavs, while receiving Aldridge in return. The Spur, on the other hand, would get Kevin Love from Cleveland.
By acquiring Aldridge, the Grizzlies could form one of the best starting lineup in the league. With Marc Gasol playing at the center position, Aldridge could resume to his old role at the four spot, where he plays more effectively. Aldridge, who has career averages of 19.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, would provide the Grizzlies another scoring option and go-to-guy during crunch time.
Meanwhile, the Spurs would receive another scoring big man in Love, who could be a better fit in the team's offense, according to Schmitz.
"One of the rumors as to why the Spurs would trade Aldridge was because of their offense turning into isolation ball. With Kevin Love, the Spurs could move back to their bread and butter and moving the ball. Love can space the floor better than Aldridge and is also a better rebounder," Schmitz wrote.
Love's outside shooting, as well as his ability to make plays, could see him as an ideal fit for the Spurs. While Love isn't an effective defender, his liability on that end would not be much of a factor for a defensive team like the Spurs.
As for the Cavs, Randolph and Allen would give the defending champs a pair of veterans who fit more playing Cleveland's brand of basketball. Randolph provides the Cavs a scoring option inside the paint, while Allen could slot in as a solid backup at the wing. Wright should also boost Cleveland's defense with his ability to block shots.
It remains to be seen whether the Grizzlies would consider such move, much less the Spurs put Aldridge on the trading block. But anything can happen in the NBA and it could be a possibility for both teams by midseason.
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