NBA Trade Rumors: Aldridge becoming increasingly unhappy with the Spurs

With reports surfacing about the availability of LaMarcus Aldridge via trade, sources indicate he has become unhappy in San Antonio and is asking for a trade.

According to statements made by Stephen A. Smith of ESPN a few hours ago, LaMarcus Aldridge wants to leave the San Antonio Spurs. Smith went on to suggest that Aldridge and his camp felt as though the Spurs did not properly use him on the court. This news comes on the heels of reports that the Spurs have dangled Aldridge to teams with top 10 picks in the NBA Draft.

If Smith’s reports are accurate, then Aldridge has probably been unhappy with the organization for some time. Throughout the past two seasons, he has taken criticism from numerous media outlets for underachieving, especially in the playoffs. Much of that vitriol was unwarranted, but it seems to have affected Aldridge’s view of his situation.

There is a degree of truth to Aldridge’s qualms with the organization. His usage has decreased substantially since he left Portland, which has negatively impacted his productivity. The primary cause of this relative drop off however, was the emergence of Kawhi Leonard as a legit two-way superstar. Perhaps LaMarcus felt that he would be the primary scorer on the Spurs when he joined them two summers ago. That kind of role quickly became unrealistic though.

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Even so, LaMarcus was effective for most of his time with the Spurs. The team posted two straight 60+ win seasons. If he is unhappy even in the midst of such success, perhaps the best option for both parties is in fact to part ways. If the Spurs could get the top 10 pick they covet for Aldridge, they might be able to facilitate some big moves as free agency approaches. They would unload a big salary and get closer to max space, while also getting a young prospect that they can mold. For LaMarcus, a change of scenery and a more central role on another team would be ideal.