NBA Rumors: Blazers say LaMarcus Aldridge ‘priority number one’
By Bryan Rose
The Portland Trail Blazers will have a handful of contractual decisions to make after the 2014-15 season, though general manager Neil Olshey says LaMarcus Aldridge is priority number one.
Set to make just over $16 million dollars next season, Aldridge will enter the final year of his deal before he can become a free agent come the conclusion of the 14-15 season.
Olshey and the Blazers understandably want no part of that, so the team made it public that he’s their top priority.
Affording the All-Star power forward shouldn’t be a problem for the Blazers as the $7 million dollar deal of Wesley Matthews and the $6 million dollar deal of Robin Lopez both expire after next season, so funds will be available to re-sign the former Texas star.
Portland will certainly be looking to get Aldridge under contract before the season begins, so expect the two sides to attempt to workout an extension moving forward as the last thing the Blazers need is Aldridge available in free agency as a consolation prize to teams who may whiff on LeBron James and/or Kevin Love next offeason.
The eight-year veteran finished the 2013-14 campaign averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also attributed a block, a steal and over 2 1/2 steals per game.