LaMarcus Aldridge pauses as he watches game action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs. (Photo : Getty Images/J Pat Carter)
The San Antonio Spurs are heading into the 2016-17 NBA season as one of the top teams in the Western Conference led by Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, the latest rumors have revealed that the Spurs might be trading Aldridge at the February deadline and the Boston Celtics are a possible destination.
In an appearance on CSN New England, Jackie MacMullan of ESPN mentioned that the Spurs might part ways with Aldridge in the middle of the season. She noted that if the 31-year-old All-Star does not play up to his potential, he could be dealt at the deadline.
"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," MacMullan said.
The Spurs signed Aldridge last offseason to a four-year, $80 million deal with the hope of becoming one of the foundations of the franchise alongside Kawhi Leonard. Several reports have implied that the Dallas native is unhappy being the second option on offense behind Leonard.
However, Aldridge had a strong first season with the Spurs as he averaged 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting a career-high 51.3 percent from the field. He helped the Spurs reach the Western Conference semifinals last season wherein they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games.
San Antonio is entering a new era this season due to Tim Duncan's retirement and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili being a year older. The Spurs are now Leonard's team with Aldridge serving as his wingman.
But Aldridge is already 31 years old which means he will be past his prime in two to three years. The Spurs might be looking towards the future and they could start by sending Aldridge away for several prospects and draft picks.
According to The Metro, the Celtics could be one of the potential suitors of Aldridge if the becomes available. The Texas alum will play alongside Al Horford in the middle with Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder in the wings.
Boston can offer a package of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Amir Johnson plus one of the first round picks from the Brooklyn Nets for Aldridge. The Spurs gets their future backcourt tandem of Smart and Brown while the first round pick from the Nets could become the next Duncan.
Nevertheless, these are just rumors at the moment and should be taken with a grain of salt. The Spurs will start the season on the road against the Golden State Warriors. Check out the video below to see highlights of Aldridge's first season in San Antonio.
