San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is an Air Force veteran, so precision planning on his part is a given. And given the franchise's success over the past two decades, it would be naive to assume there's no connection there.
Given that, the Spurs have an action plan in place to land unrestricted free agent LaMarcus Aldridge this summer, according to CBS Sports' Ken Berger.
While Popovich and Spurs general manager R.C. Buford are still waiting for franchise legends Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili to decide whether they'll return, the prevailing wisdom has been that the 39-year-old Duncan will be back and the soon-to-be 38-year-old Ginobili could retire.
According to Berger, the Spurs will agree with Kawhi Leonard on a five-year max deal, something they can't technically do until July 1. This is expected to happen swiftly, however, which will be assisted by the fact that Leonard reportedly has no interest in pursuing offer sheets elsewhere.
Leonard and Duncan will then go full throttle to recruit Aldridge, something rumors have swirled for months that the Texan would be more than open to.
Landing Aldridge would mark the Spurs' first big-name free-agent signing, surprising given the team's unprecedented run of long-term success. It would also provide a natural succession for when Duncan does choose to retire.
Berger reports that the Spurs plan to feel out Grizzlies center Marc Gasol in free agency as well, but that they are assuming Aldridge is more likely to change teams.
The 29-year-old power forward, who underwent surgery on his thumb Monday, has averaged 22.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game over the last three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
