It's going to take more than an unceremonious first-round exit from the playoffs to get LaMarcus Aldridge to tip his hand about free agency.
With his Portland Trail Blazers getting eliminated four games to one by the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, attention turned quickly to Aldridge's future. The four-time All-Star will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and while it's long been believed he would return to Rip City, nothing is certain until pen is to paper.
"I will cross that bridge later on," Aldridge said after Game 5. "Right now, I want to be with my teammates and reflect on the good season we had."
Aldridge said more or less the same again at locker clean-out on Thursday:
"Everything this city has done for me. Enjoyed my time here. It's been an amazing nine years, of course I wouldn't want it to end." -- LA
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) April 30, 2015
Aldridge said he'll go home, talk to family. Praised his nine years here, said, "I've always loved it here."
— Mike Tokito (@mtokito) April 30, 2015
It was a good season for Portland, but their postseason chances were ultimately sunk by injuries to Wesley Matthews, Dorell Wright and, for a few games, Arron Afflalo. Aldridge averaged 21.8 points and 11.2 rebounds in the series, but he shot 33 percent and the Blazers simply lacked the horses to keep up with a physical Memphis team.
Despite the 51-win season, big changes could be coming for Portland. Aldridge is the biggest piece, but Matthews, Wright, Afflalo, Robin Lopez and more can all hit the market and the Blazers will have substantial cap space.
Their priority will be retaining Aldridge, a mid-range maestro who keeps the entire offense functioning with his work at the elbows. The 29-year-old averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in the regular season and will command a maximum contract, which makes Portland the favorites to retain him.
Whatever happens with LaMarcus Aldridge this summer, expect it to be finalized rather quickly. He said he doesn't want to drag out process.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) April 30, 2015
Even though Aldridge is on record as wanting to be the best Blazer ever, there's a growing belief that he could be lured away, with the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks looming as the most likely threats to poach him.
It's unclear if Portland's early exit will impact Aldridge's thinking, unfair though that may be considering the injuries.
