LaMarcus Aldridge discusses trade rumors
Despite several reports this NBA off-season, LaMarcus Aldridge does not want out of Portland.
With constant grumblings throughout the media that the All-Star power forward had grown tired of the city — and a report in the Oregonian newspaper by reporter Jason Quick that stated Aldridge thought Portland was “too small” and “too boring” — consensus was that Portland would seek a trade.
Instead, GM Neil Olshey put together quite a nice offseason for the small market Trailblazers, and seems to have satisfied Aldridge for the time being.
In a recent interview with CSN Northwest’s Chris Haynes, LaMarcus Aldridge dispelled any rumors. Here is an excerpt from that interview:
Okay. Let’s get into it. There was a report that you believed Portland was “too small” and “too boring” of a city. What’s your response to that?
“Nah, that’s not true. I’m a quiet person that keeps to himself, really. Portland doesn’t bother me. I don’t have an issue with the city of Portland. I’ve been there my whole career. I like the smallness of it and the passionate fans. That’s not true at all.”
How have you been dealing with all the trade rumors?
“I just block it out and go to the gym. That’s it. I can’t do anything about that. I feel like if there was really something serious going on, [Trail Blazers general manager] Neil [Olshey] would have told me but that didn’t happen. I’m a Trail Blazer.”
Did you ever demand a trade?
“No.”
So, there it is Portland fans. Is Aldridge just giving the media lip service because he will be in Portland for the foreseeable future? Possibly. But unless the Trailblazers tank again, don’t expect LaMarcus to be moved any time soon.