With LaMarcus Aldridge reportedly on the trade block, where could he go?
LaMarcus Aldridge is just one year into his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs. He had been set to lead the future version of this team with Kawhi Leonard, but those plans may change.
According to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Aldridge may not finish the 2016-17 season with the Spurs. Things apparently haven’t worked out as hoped between the two sides, so a move could come midseason. MacMullan noted this in a recent appearance with CSNNE.com.
This leaves the question of where the 10-year veteran could go next. There are options even if some of them don’t seem to be clear. Which teams could be fits?
5. Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are in a transition phase. They lost Dwyane Wade to the Chicago Bulls, ending his 13-year tenure with the organization. Chris Bosh, another stalwart, might never play again due to blood clots. Goran Dragic is also in trade talks, so this may leave Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow to lead the 2016-17 version of this franchise.
Heat executive Pat Riley hasn’t shown the want to rebuild, even with Bosh, LeBron James, and Wade out. Whiteside got a huge deal, and if they really are looking to bring in Rudy Gay, this could mean they’re just retooling. If that’s the case, how about targeting LaMarcus Aldridge to be the team’s next power forward?
This move depends on Bosh’s status. If he retires, nearly $24 million dollars will open on Miami’s payroll. That won’t completely clear a spot for Aldridge’s $20 million, but they would be able to absorb most of the contract. Draft picks could then be used to send to San Antonio, potentially the 2017 and 2019 first round picks.
Aldridge would step in and make the Heat a threat in the Eastern Conference. They wouldn’t be close to the level of the Cleveland Cavaliers and not even at the Chicago Bulls level, but it keeps the team afloat. Future free agents could be lured in as well with one of the game’s best power forwards in town and the salary cap rising.