It's spring but rumors are snowballing in Portland.
As discussion ramps up regarding LaMarcus Aldridge's future with the Trail Blazers, the unrestricted free agent may be somewhat unhappy alongside point guard Damian Lillard, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
The report makes no mention of a rift between the two players, but it wouldn't be the first time professional jealousy affected free agency. Aldridge has been in Portland for nine seasons; Lillard three.
It wasn't that long ago that the franchise power forward was being lauded as a hero in Portland for saying he wanted to be the "best Blazer ever" and then playing through a torn ligament in his thumb. However, things change quickly, and Aldridge, who shot 46.6 percent from the floor in the regular season saw that plummet to 33 percent in five playoff games against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Stein basically implies that Aldridge is eager to leave the Blazers and that sources say his preferred destination remains the San Antonio Spurs. However, it also mentions that should the Cleveland Cavaliers see Kevin Love opt out of his contract - a matter thrown into further question following Love's shoulder injury - Aldridge could be amenable to a sign-and-trade to northern Ohio, should it be possible.
Of course this is all rumor and innuendo, but that's the foreplay of NBA free agency.
Multiple reports over the past few months have linked Aldridge with two Texas teams - the Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. The fact he may prefer San Antonio is interesting given that he grew up in Dallas, and the Spurs would probably require Tim Duncan to retire in order to facilitate him.
Just this week another aging Texas frontcourt legend, Dirk Nowitzki, opined that he'd be fine with moving to a sixth man role if the Mavericks were to sign a marquee free agent.
There are also the old standbys, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks - flush with cap room and terrible rosters - as potential suitors.
