By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Prior to the San Antonio Spurs visiting the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center, head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters that LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer part of the team.
Aldridge, 35, will either be traded or waived. “We’ve mutually agreed for him to work on some opportunities elsewhere,” noted Popovich, “We just think this is a win-win for both LaMarcus and for the club.”
He was on his sixth season with the Spurs averaging 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 blocks per match over 21 appearances this season. He previously spent nine seasons at the Portland Trail Blazers.
His expiring contract contains a $24M salary for the 2020-21 season. It will certainly be a challenge for any NBA team to bring him in via trade.
Austrian Jakob Poeltl earning more minutes presumably made Aldridge expendable at this point. The Spurs are currently 7th in the Western Conference carrying an 18-15 record.