Recent rumors are out that LaMarcus Aldridge could be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers for either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor in midseason as the San Antonio Spurs have become "open to trade" the disgruntled power forward.
Aldridge, 31, was acquired by the Spurs last summer via free-agency. He agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with the San Antonio franchise and started all of his 74 games with the squad last season, averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in a career-high 51.3 percent field goal shooting.
His numbers have dropped from his last season in Portland where he produced a career-high 23.4 points, 10.2 boards, and 1.7 assists per game. Some analysts believe that this was caused by the role Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has placed on him, which is to be the third option in offense behind Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker.
With Tim Duncan now retired, rumors emerged that Aldridge will take on the Big Fundamental's role and if he does not reach expectations, the Spurs could trade him before the deadline in February next year.
CBS Sports reported that Aldridge "might be unhappy because the offense doesn't revolve around him" in San Antonio.
It should be noted that the five-time NBA All-Star rumored to have left Portland because he does not want to be Damian Lillard's sidekick, just like the way he was never comfortable playing second fiddle to Brandon Roy during his early years as a Blazer.
The situation did not change with the Spurs.
Fansided suggested that a trade with the Sixers would benefit both sides as pairing Aldridge with Joel Embiid "could potentially revitalize the organization and return to the playoffs with just one trade". Meanwhile, Philly solves its problem of having too many young big men in their roster to develop.
Unsurprisingly, Noel and Okafor were the names mentioned to possibly be sent to San Antonio in exchange for Aldridge as the two players have been in trade rumors all summer.
The report noted, though, that the trade would only work if there would be a third team involved, preferably a contender. Aldridge agrees on moving to the contender, Noel or Okafor goes to San Antonio, and the contender sends players to the Sixers in a multi-player deal is something that makes more sense than a straight swap.