Lots people in the know in the NBA have been starting to say this too. Simmons said he thinks at best that it's 50/50 LA stays there.
I think Aldridge is starting to realize that he's not going to win in Portland. They're nowhere near a championship-caliber team right now, and they're likely going to lose their 3rd best player in Wes Matthews this offseason to FA. Lillard has also really been struggling as of late. They don't have much help elsewhere.
LA's in his prime and that window is likely the next 3-4 years, and he want to win now. I know money talks, and they can offer him more than anyone, but it's getting to the point where I'd actually be pretty surprised if he does stay there. The question is, where's the most likely destination? I'd think the 3 Texas teams would be the favorites.
Blazerfans seem to think that if Aldridge leaves it'll be to the Spurs, fwiw. They bring up how he idolizes Duncan and possibly getting to play with him would be appealing.
The media in Portland clearly cherishes their star players
If the Blazers end up getting swept Aldridge may just end up leaving tbh.The media in Portland clearly cherishes their star players
He'd likely only get to play with him for a year though. I think all 3 Texas teams would be a legitimate good landing spot for him, although Spurs and Rockets seem more ideal. Dallas, with Dirk almost done and no other talent in sight, wouldn't be much of an improvement from Portland, tbh. But he's from Dallas so who knows. Maybe us being so close to Austin could help our cause. I know he still has friends there.
Houston would have to gut their roster to get him tbh. Harden, dwert, and Aldridge would be great but the players around them would be awful.He'd likely only get to play with him for a year though
Moving on from one of Green/Splitter/Diaw is the cleanest way to get that space. However, provided Duncan and Manu decide not to return, the Spurs could eek out the space by moving Mills, Anderson and LJC. They'd have a little over $19 Million in that scenario, while still having Parker (ugh), Green, Kawhi, Diaw and Splitter to got with their room exception and their draft pick for this year. Or they could stash their pick and keep Anderson/LJC.
Think there's any chance Parker restructures his contract to give the Spurs more wiggle room? Is that even possible?
i don't envision duncan retiring, and moving on from green/diaw/splitter just seems bad.
nba doesn't allow restructures/paycuts. only way a player could help a team is by declining a player option or somethin.
LMA disapproves of the headline in the picture.The media in Portland clearly cherishes their star players
Enlighten me, as I don't live there. I just know my Texas-based coworkers pay enough less in taxes than we do in NYC to pay for their car. I just used BankRate for Oregon:
For single taxpayers and married couples filing separate returns:
- 5 percent on the first $3,300 of taxable income.
- 7 percent on taxable income between $3,301 and $8,250.
- 9 percent on taxable income between $8,251 and $125,000
- 9.9 percent on taxable income of $125,001 and above.
Another option on the economic side could be to just offer him 15/2 with the promise of a max deal afterwards, which would be much more money, considering the cap situation.
This thread is going to reach 100 pgs by June
Holy cap cir vention, Batman. Do you really want the Spurs to forfeit 5 first-round picks (or whatever it was) the way the Wolves did with Joe Smith?
Not happening imo.
Easily. Basically any day the Spurs aren't playing, this thread will be visited as frequently as pornhub, tbh.
Aside from the fact that such a deal would be a major violation of the CBA, if LMA wants a short term deal for the max there are multiple teams that would accommodate him. Dallas, the Knicks, and Portland for certain and there are likely several others.
There's no cir vention. He would be taking a calculated risk by signing a two year deal, and he would become a FA by then. The only thing that changes is that the Spurs would have bird rights and be able to max him out for an extra year.
For all we know, a bunch of FAs might take the short-term contract this summer, considering the upcoming cap increase.
Well, this is under the premise that he would want to come home with his family and play for a contender, something none of those teams can really offer (Dallas can only offer the home part).
I know the Knicks and Lakers have been mentioned quite a bit as possible destinations for LA, and money talks, but if he does in fact decide to leave, I don't see any way he leaves Portland for a rebuilding situation, tbh.. especially at his age.
I'll be actually more impressed if he takes less money to come to the Spurs, displaying a belief and commitment to being a part of a winning culture.
It's clear that if he's just looking for money, he can simply stay in Portland.
I'm watching him play right now, clanking soft jumpers, and I really do not want... but I guess we can't be picky.
Agreed. That's why I'm almost positive that if he leaves, it'll be for a Texas team. And even though Dallas is his hometown, they won't be a contender, even if they sign him imo. That leaves us and those turds over by the bay.
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