NBA Trade News: Spurs willing to move LaMarcus Aldridge, Danny Green
The San Antonio Spurs have reportedly made 5-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge and two-way wing Danny Green available via trade ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft. The Spurs, according to reports, are seeking a Top-10 or Top-5 pick in exchange for Aldridge, who signed a four-year contract worth US$84 million (AU$111 million) in 2015.
Since Aldridge has a Player Option ahead of the 2018-19 season, the team that acquires him would be essentially gambling on a one-year rental. The 31-year-old Aldridge would get the opportunity to sign the final lucrative contract of his career when he approaches free agency next July.
According to Amico Hoops, the Spurs have been engaging lottery teams over the last few days to possibly acquire a Top-10 draft pick. The Spurs are currently positioned to select No. 29 and No. 59 in the 2017 NBA Draft.
LaMarcus Aldridge trade: Are Suns and Kings interested?
The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have emerged as possible destinations for Aldridge. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported Wednesday evening in a podcast that the Suns have been in talks to trade the No. 4 overall pick for an established All-Star. The Cleveland Cavaliers had previously engaged the Suns in a possible three-team trade with the Indiana Pacers to acquire Paul George. But those talks fell through, according to reports.
The Kings will select No. 5 and No. 10 in Thursday's draft. Several reports claim that the Kings are open to the idea of trading the No. 10 pick for the right price. They are set on selecting De'Aaron Fox with the No. 5 overall pick, unless Kentucky point guard finds takers in the Top-4.
Meanwhile, Spurs big man Paul Gasol has opted out of his Player Option for the 2016-17 season, giving the San Antonio front office cap room flexibility to approach Chris Paul. The Los Angeles Clippers point guard has been strongly linked to the Spurs and could possibly sign with Gregg Popovich's team after becoming a free agent on July 1.
By trading away Aldridge and Green, the Spurs could open up more room to pursue more free agents. If Chris Paul decides to go "ring chasing" to San Antonio, he could leave more than US$40 million (AU$53 million) on the table by deciding to bolt from the Clippers. Could Paul be tempted to join forces with Kawhi Leonard to challenge Golden State Warriors' dominance in the West? Stay tuned for the latest NBA Trade News and updates on the 2017 NBA Free Agency.
