LMA going back to Portland?

[exstatic]

hopefully just talk. I thought LA was totally on board and happy in his home state. would make more sense if LA was from Oregon but I don't see him returning.

He seems very content right now, and I think in 3 years, our guard rotation will be much more in their primes than Portland's will. He really seems to be developing a rapport with White.

[TDomination]

Meh, us hopefully becoming contenders next year will change his tune.

Doesn't matter anyways, by the time his contract ends he may not be as serviceable.

[Twisted_Dawg]

Plus his son will be three years older.

[superbigtime]

He seems very content right now, and I think in 3 years, our guard rotation will be much more in their primes than Portland's will. He really seems to be developing a rapport with White.

Likeminded. Mr. White is terrific!

[SpurSpike]

I know this is a new article but isn't it based on some stuff that Aldridge said back in 2017 when he wanted out? There were lots of articles back then about how him and Lillard had settled the beef and that Aldridge wanted to be sent to portland. Just seems like a "journalist" re-quoted him and made a story of it... I mean this is the athletic we are talking about, same people who thought Jabari Young is worth hiring...

[jermaine]

There's nuttin wrong with going back to the team who drafted you to give it one last chance before you retire. Plus he probably knows Pop is retiring after next season.

[SpursDynasty85]

Not to be a but that's a horrible trade imo. I'd rather let him walk. Whole thing is odd though I thought he had found his groove in SA.

I think you should assume he means after he plays out his contract. Money is too good to walk away from nowadays if you can play a season or two. (i.e. Manu, Dirk, VC). It also helps if the team and fans you go to reveres you and limits your minutes. LMA looks he can be good for another 2 more years after this (end of his current contract) and will probably want to play 2 more years somewhere maybe in Portland. (especially if they are still contending).

[exstatic]

I think you should assume he means after he plays out his contract. Money is too good to walk away from nowadays if you can play a season or two. (i.e. Manu, Dirk, VC). It also helps if the team and fans you go to reveres you and limits your minutes. LMA looks he can be good for another 2 more years after this (end of his current contract) and will probably want to play 2 more years somewhere maybe in Portland. (especially if they are still contending).

Big guys age much better than guards, and in a league that is going small, he’ll be able to use his bulk to get good post position until he’s 37-38 years old. He’s not going to get old any time soon.

[John B]

Every player’s wish to reunite like Tony. He’d be a Spur before his retirement. I don’t put a lot on this. Besides we ringup and let’s see if he doesn’t wish to retire a Spur.

[FkLA]

If he isn't top 10, he's not far behind that number. 15 and 10 with great metrics all around, and he's only 24. There's a good chance the Blazers wouldn't even make LA for Nurkic straight up.

Dude, I made that trade as a joke, knowing that Portland wouldn't even consider it and you still come here saying that's a horrible trade for the Spurs.

Some of you gotta lay down with the homerism, tbh.

I really doubt Portland turns that down today. Nurkic is ok but nothing special, and not really much better (if at all) than what Purdle will develop into in a few years. He isn't the offensive weapon and lacks the foot speed defensively to be in LMA's class. Yeah, I know his DRPM is really good but so is Pau's and we know firsthand what a liability Pau can be when team's attack him in the pick and roll.

[DAF86]

I really doubt Portland turns that down today. Nurkic is ok but nothing special, and not really much better (if at all) than what Purdle will develop into in a few years. He isn't the offensive weapon and lacks the foot speed defensively to be in LMA's class. Yeah, I know his DRPM is really good but so is Pau's and we know firsthand what a liability Pau can be when team's attack him in the pick and roll.

I think they see him as their center for the next 10 years. LA is clearly better right now and Nurkic might never be as good as LA, but LA is 10 years older than Nurkic, I don't think Portland would do LA for Nurkic straight up, much less giving up Aminu and a 1st.

[MoSpur02]

If he does decide to leave once his contract is up I'm okay with it. He will be 36 once that next season starts so he won't be as good.

[FkLA]

I think they see him as their center for the next 10 years. LA is clearly better right now and Nurkic might never be as good as LA, but LA is 10 years older than Nurkic, I don't think Portland would do LA for Nurkic straight up, much less giving up Aminu and a 1st.

Lillard turns 29 in July, McCollum 28 in September. I don't think they are looking ten years into the future with their current core. Their current core will always have a low ceiling, unless they are content with being first/second round fodder I don't see why they would turn down a perennial all-star just to keep an ok center for 10 years.

I'm not saying LMA would put them over the top but it definitely makes them more dangerous than what they are right now.

[DAF86]

Lillard turns 29 in July, McCollum 28 in September. I don't think they are looking ten years into the future with their current core. Their current core will always have a low ceiling, unless they are content with being first/second round fodder I don't see why they would turn down a perennial all-star just to keep an ok center for 10 years.

I'm not saying LMA would put them over the top but it definitely makes them more dangerous than what they are right now.

Well then, if that's the case then I would make a pitch to the Blazers during the offseason. Nurkic fits better, age wise, with our core of White, Murray, Forbes, Bertans, Walker and Poeltl; and you wouldn't be doing LA dirty since he, apparently, wants to go there.

[Dre_7]

I love LMA and always will, but he will be what 35, 36 when his contract is up? Will it really be that bad if he left and Jakob (or someone else) became the full time man in the middle ?

[south side spur]

I love LMA and always will, but he will be what 35, 36 when his contract is up? Will it really be that bad if he left and Jakob (or someone else) became the full time man in the middle ?

Exactly. By then Milutinov should be on the roster.

[Mugen]

Maybe the FO can bring in Pau to replace him

[Dre_7]

If he does decide to leave once his contract is up I'm okay with it. He will be 36 once that next season starts so he won't be as good.

Missed this when I commented a few minutes ago. Agreed 100%

[peacemaker885]

I really doubt Portland turns that down today. Nurkic is ok but nothing special, and not really much better (if at all) than what Purdle will develop into in a few years. He isn't the offensive weapon and lacks the foot speed defensively to be in LMA's class. Yeah, I know his DRPM is really good but so is Pau's and we know firsthand what a liability Pau can be when team's attack him in the pick and roll.

Agree. The keyword is today. Three years from now, probably not. Next year, also maybe doubtful since Nurkic will have more time under his belt, and Portland doesn't really have the cap room to absorb a big LaMarcus contract.

[BD24]

If it’s when he is 36 or so I am fine letting him use Portland as a retirement home tbh

[sananspursfan21]

Scoured the article for hard evidence. None found tbh

[alpha_HaZE]

You know what, I think LA probably wants that 15% trade kicker. And someone to pay his 24 + 15% milion full salary in 2020. Currently, LaMarcus in 2020-21 is guaranteed for $7M.