The Spurs reportedly could trade LaMarcus Aldridge amidst his unhappiness with taking a backseat to Kawhi Leonard.
They deny holding trade talks about Aldridge, but even if they haven’t, that means little. If the bigger concerns about Aldridge’s fit and happiness in San Antonio are rooted in reality, a deal could come together in due time. I doubt the Spurs are rushing to trade him at the first sign of trouble.
For his part, Aldridge denies trouble, initial or otherwise.
Aldridge on The Jim Rome Show, as transcribed by Jeff Garcia of News 4 San Antonio:“I didn’t buy into it. I haven’t heard anything about it. I talked to Pop (head coach Gregg Popovich) daily and he’s always telling me that I’m doing great,” Aldridge said. “Trying to be a more of a leader. He’s put me in positions where I can be more of a leader. As long as the guys here aren’t saying bad things to me. All my teammates have said nothing but great things to me.”
“Yeah for sure I am (happy in San Antonio). We made history last year. They’ve incorporated me into the family. Try to make me one of the big pieces.”
“I’m winning. Of course I’m happy. That’s why I don’t buy into the rumors. I feel like I do my job here and I feel like I’ve done everything that they’ve asked. That’s why I haven’t bought into the rumors.”
If Aldridge is unhappy to the point he’d prefer to leave San Antonio, the Spurs will know that. What he says publicly probably won’t sway their opinion nearly as much as his behind-the-scenes actions and attitudes.
San Antonio could also trade Aldridge without him inviting it. The initial report about the Spurs possibly trading him came from a different source than the one about him being unhappy. There could be truth in one and not the other. If Aldridge believes San Antonio will keep him, that’s prerogative. He wouldn’t be the first player to mis-evaluate his team’s loyalty to him – or he could be spot on.
Really, Aldridge didn’t reveal much that we can accept with certainty – except that if there is turmoil, it’s no so great that he’s unwilling to put on a happy face. That counts for something.
