The San Antonio Spurs finalized a bit of a surprise moments before the 2017-18 NBA season tipped off, signing LaMarcus Aldridge to what is effectively a two-year extension.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski passed along the details of the new agreement, which includes a team-friendly final year.
The updated contract locks in the 2018-19 season, for which Aldridge previously held a $22.3 million player option. According to Wojnarowski, the power forward will then be due $26 million during the 2019-20 campaign and $24 million in 2020-21.
However, the final year only includes $7 million guaranteed, per Woj. If the Spurs try to move Aldridge in the future, that flexibility in the last season of his contract will be a useful bartering chip.
And if this offseason was any indication, it may happen.
San Antonio reportedly pursued a lottery pick in exchange for Aldridge around the 2017 NBA draft and also discussed a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The five-time All-Star had apparently become unhappy with his role in the offense.
For now, though, the team is committed to Kawhi Leonard, Aldridge and Patty Mills as the foundation of the club. And after signing Pau Gasol for $16 million guaranteed over the next two years, their roster is basically set through the 2018-19 season.
While Danny Green could opt out of his contract after 2017-18, money for complementary players dwindled last July. If he opts in, the Spurs may only need to re-sign Tony Parker. And in all likelihood, the longtime guard will follow the precedent set by Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili and sign an ultra-cheap deal next summer.
On paper, it seems San Antonio hasn’t done enough to keep up with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. But with an MVP cornerstone in Leonard and fringe All-Star in Aldridge, the Spurs will remain a consistent threat in the West.