LaMarcus Aldridge’s time with the San Antonio Spurs is over. Gregg Popovich himself confirmed the development on Wednesday, noting that Aldridge will no longer return to the team.
According to Coach Pop, Aldridge and the Spurs “mutually agreed that he would work on opportunities elsewhere,” suggesting that they are now working to find a suitable business partner for the big-time veteran.
Gregg Popvich says the San Antonio Spurs is working on an exchange scenario for LaMarcus Aldridge.
He is healthy, but he is not currently on the team, as both sides are looking for ‘opportunities to move him elsewhere’.
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The decision marks the end of LaMarcus Aldridge’s career with the Spurs, which spanned six seasons. He signed with San Antonio in 2015, after nine years with the Portland Trail Blazers, initially signing a four-year, $ 80 million contract.
Although Aldridge failed to get the Spurs to the finals, he helped the team stay relevant and compete in the difficult Western Conference. In 376 games with the team, he averaged 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks.
In the 2020-21 season, he was riddled with injuries and health problems. Last February, he suffered a hip injury that cost him six games. Before the All-Star break, he also missed the last two games due to stomach disease. Their numbers have decreased this season, averaging just 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
It remains to be seen where the Spurs will trade Aldridge. However, considering that the team has done this publicly, it appears that there is an agreement pending for him or they are already in deep discussions for an exchange.
For what it’s worth, the LMA can definitely still contribute, especially to a rival team. Although he is no longer the same Aldridge who used to punctuate at ease with his length and kicks, there is no doubt that his experience and production can be beneficial to an aspiring titleholder.
