NBA Rumors: Is LaMarcus Aldridge beginning to tip his plans for the summer when he hits the free agency market?
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With every passing moment and subsequent loss, LaMarcus Aldridge is one step closer from becoming an unrestricted free agent once July 1 comes around.
And while the vast majority of the NBA media nearly concluded that Aldridge would eventually re-sign long term with the Portland Trail Blazers — probably shortly after he’s eligible to put ink to paper — that sentiment has changed quite a bit over the last year.
"[via CBS Sports]In a third-quarter sideline report during Saturday’s Game 3 loss, ESPN’s Chris Broussard said Aldridge was noncommital about his future.“There’s talk about the Lakers, the Knicks, the Spurs and the Mavericks going after Aldridge,” Broussard said on the TV broadcast. “Remember, his hometown is Dallas. I talked to him before the game — I asked him, ‘Look, is Portland going to be your first choice?’ And he just smiled and said, ‘We’ll see.’ It’s not a ringing endorsement for the Blazers.“I asked him how much this series, if they lose, would impact it,” Broussard continued. “He said this series really wouldn’t have a big impact on what he does this summer — his main factor, he said, is going to be going someplace where he has the best chance to win. Now, there’s significant speculation around the league that he is going to be Portland. A lot of people think the Spurs could be his landing spot. Or, if he just wants glamour and to have his own team, it could be the Lakers.”"
Portland Trail Blazers
That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement if you’re the Portland Trail Blazers. Aldridge saying “we’ll see” is pretty much saying”you’ll know after I decide.” There was a point when Aldridge said he wanted to stay long term in Portland. He’s not saying that now. Nor is he saying the opposite, either, though.
Although, it should be noted, that despite the numerous rumors that are circulating around his potential departure this summer (which he probably knows very well about) he didn’t go out of his way to put those rumors to bed.
Instead, perhaps even purposely, he is only allowing them to grow.
And maybe that’s just the way he wants it.