One is the loneliest number.
LaMarcus Aldridge continues to fuel rumors that he will not re-join the Portland Trail Blazers when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
After the Trail Blazers dropped Game 2 to the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis on Wednesday, Portland general manager Neil Olshey gave players two options: stay the night and fly home together on the team charter the next day, or return to Portland on their own, according to The Oregonian's Bruce Fly.
Aldridge took door number two, and hopped on a plane by himself.
"I didn't want to stay in that hotel one more night,'' Aldridge said Saturday, "so I bought my own ticket and flew home.''
Despite his explanation, his choice to separate himself from his teammates has fueled present concerns that Aldridge is planning to jump ship. There have been whispers that he may be lured to the Dallas Mavericks or San Antonio Spurs, with the latter, in particular, reportedly planning to pursue the four-time All-Star.
Aldridge was reportedly also noncommittal in a conversation with ESPN's Chris Broussard, offering only a "We'll see" when asked if Portland remained his top choice this summer.
Aldridge has spent his entire nine-year career as a Trail Blazer and was named to four All-Star teams. He carried his team through the season into playoffs, averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and one block.
