The Portland Trail Blazers have had a lot of injuries this season. So many in fact that it’ll be a miracle if they make it out of the 1st round of the Playoffs against a reasonably healthy Memphis Grizzlies. Wes Matthews and Nicolas Batum are not able to play. Both of them amazing two-way players. Which leaves Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge to lead the offensive charge and Robin Lopez to anchor the defense.
Speaking of Aldridge. His contract is up once the season ends. Which begs the question. Where will LMA go? Will he stay in Portland or look for a better situation? Well, according to The Oregonian, an unnamed Blazers player thinks that he’s 50/50 at this stage.
Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50.
“I don’t want it to be perceived that I’m not happy, or I’m not staying on because I’m not signing a three-year deal,” Aldridge told The Oregonian last July. “It’s just financially smarter to wait … and I’m looking forward to signing the five-year deal when the chance comes.”
That’s a fair estimation by Aldridge there. I’ve always been the person to say “Why not test the waters?”. Sure the Blazers might have to enter an unwanted bidding war. But wouldn’t that just strengthen the relationship between player and franchise? Truly knowing what that player is worth? If he goes into free agency Portland. Think of it as a bonding exercise.
