NBA Rumors: The Blazers, Clippers Could Make A Blake Griffin-LaMarcus Aldridge Swap
NBA Rumors: If LaMarcus Aldridge really wants out of Portland, look for Neil Olshey to push for a LA-Blake Griffin swap with the Los Angeles Clippers
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LaMarcus Aldridge holds all the power when it comes to where he plays next season. He’s an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with whomever he wishes. But, if he wants, he could help out both the Portland Trail Blazers and himself this summer.
And in an interview on John Canzano’s radio show, Yahoo’s Marc J. Spears brought up an interesting scenario in which Aldridge ends up with the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Blake Griffin.
Fire up the rumor siren.
Here’s exactly what Spears told Canzano.
"[via Yahoo Sports’ Marc J. Spears on John Canzano’s Bald-Faced Truth radio show, H/T PBT]This is a rumor. Let me say that three times. This is a rumor. This a rumor. This is a rumor.Blake Griffin.Obviously, there’s a connection there with the GM. And you wonder, if LaMarcus is interested in the Clippers, playing with Chris Paul. Could Neil Olshey get his old superstar with the Clippers in Portland?I think you get to a point where – Neil is smart. You’ve got to have a come-to-Jesus meeting with LaMarcus and say, “Hey, do you really want to be here or do you think you want to go. Because f you really want to go, help us – the same way Steve Nash helped the Suns. Don’t just walk away. Try to help out Portland in the process.”"
Portland Trail Blazers
Blake Griffin is currently enjoying a breakout year, certainly in the playoffs. He’s turned into a triple-double machine in the postseason and is nearly averaging one — 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists per game.
Although, it’s going to prove to be awfully hard for the Clippers to re-sign DeAndre Jordan at max money, when they already have roughly $40 million tied up in Griffin and Chris Paul next season.
If Aldridge wants out and the Clippers are willing to move Griffin, who is owed roughly $60 million over the next three seasons, it makes sense for a deal to at least be discussed.
I’m not sure where the Clippers would fall on Aldridge’s hypothetical top destination list, but who wouldn’t want to play next to Chris Paul?
It’s just a rumor, but it’s certainly an interesting one. And certainly one that should warrant attention as free agency approaches.