In what should be considered a pretty big shock, the San Antonio Spurs and former All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge are reportedly engaged in extension negotiations.
This report comes from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs are engaged in talks on a contract extension, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 16, 2017
It also comes just months after the Spurs were reportedly looking to unload Aldridge’s contract in a trade. Conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers, among other teams, were said to have taken place.
Since signing a four-year, $84 million free agent deal with San Antonio prior to the 2015-16 season, Aldridge has regressed a great deal. Last season saw him average eight-year low 17.3 points per game.
He also struggled big time in the Western Conference Finals, averaging 15.5 points on 41 percent shooting with 10 turnovers in the four-game sweep against Golden State.
As Woj notes, Aldridge can opt out of his contract following this season and become a free agent. Maybe, that’s why San Antonio is engaging in extension conversations.
Even then, the team might be better off hitting what promises to be a strong free agent class next summer. Aldridge just doesn’t seem to be a great fit for this team.