Here’s the first domino to fall in the lead up to free agency next week. Erik Gundersen of The Columbian, citing sources close to the situation, is reporting that All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge has informed the Portland Blazers that he will not return to the team next season.
“A Western Conference executive with knowledge of the Aldridge pursuit has told The Columbian that the free-agent has already informed the Blazers that he will not return to the Northwest.”
Interestingly, the report goes on to indicate that the Blazers decision to trade Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday was made under the guise that Aldridge would not return once free agency starts on July 1. According to Gundersen, that trade may be the first of many in what could become a lengthy rebuilding process in the Pacific Northwest.
While it’s not necessarily a surprise that Aldridge is intent on moving on from the Blazers, it is somewhat interesting that he would notify the team prior to the start of free agency itself.
Aldridge has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs—all three of whom could potentially offer the All-Star a max contract without having to work out a sign-and-trade with Portland.
In terms of the Blazers looking to rebuild, Gundersen’s report could be a sign that the likes of Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez—both impending free agents—will not return.
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