Odds to Trade for LaMarcus Aldridge After Parting Ways With Spurs – Celtics and Heat Favorites

• The San Antonio Spurs and former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge will be parting ways
• San Antonio is confident of a trade before the March 25th deadline
• Which teams could be in the running for Aldridge? See the odds on potential destinations below

The San Antonio Spurs and LaMarcus Aldridge are parting ways. Aldridge is on the trade block ahead of the March 25th NBA trade deadline after seeing his role diminish over the last few months.

San Antonio changed their approach in the bubble. Aldridge’s absence allowed Gregg Popovich to experiment, and it’s benefited the Spurs, who are in the postseason mix. Wednesday’s news of Aldridge and the Spurs ending their time together was hardly a shock given the direction the franchise are heading in.

Odds to Trade for LaMarcus Aldridge

Odds as of March 11th

Aldridge Decline

LaMarcus Aldridge isn’t the player he once was. At 35 years old, that’s unsurprising, but it underlies his situation. San Antonio isn’t doing him a favor by parting ways – he is surplus to requirements with the Spurs.

Once the hub of the Spurs offense, Aldridge is averaging the lowest marks since his rookie season in field goal attempts, points per game and minutes.

No longer the go-to on the block, Aldridge’s three-point range changed his importance to the Spurs. He also appeared to age pretty drastically. A target on the defensive end, Aldridge struggled in the early weeks of the season, and upon his return to the team late in February, he was moved to the bench.

Pop on LaMarcus Aldridge: “We’ve mutually agreed for him to work on some opportunities elsewhere.” Aldridge will not be back with the Spurs.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) March 11, 2021

His last appearance was on March 1st. Aldridge scored two points on three shots in 15 minutes. San Antonio isn’t a favorite in the Western Conference odds, but it’s clear Aldridge isn’t a part of their plans short or long-term.

Trade Situation

Aldridge is an upcoming free agent with a $24 million contract. That’s a big number for a player of his production this season, but it’s potentially tradeable. Even with declining numbers, teams will consider a trade for Aldridge.

His situation is rosier than Blake Griffin, for instance, who had a larger salary, another year left on his contract, and ugly numbers across the board. Griffin’s injury history was much more concerning for potential suitors, too.

LaMarcus Aldridge appreciation post. LeBron & Melo are the only active Players with more field goals.
pic.twitter.com/PxTdlB4VMS

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 11, 2021

Similarly to Griffin, though, the size of the salary could prove a stumbling block. Other than the Celtics’ enormous trade exception, teams would have to send out considerable salary to make a trade work. A lot of postseason-chasing franchises do not have $20 million in unwanted salary, meaning they would be weakening their rotation by pulling off an Aldridge trade.

San Antonio’s defense has been almost nine points better per 100 possessions with Aldridge off the floor. He’s got to play the five at this stage of his career, but being such a defensive liability will put off a lot of possible trade partners. That’s a lot of salary to send out for a backup center.

Possible Landing Spots

Boston is being rumored as a destination for everyone, and they’re favorites for Aldridge. While Aldridge doesn’t fit in under the hard cap, the Celtics could send out a small salary to slot him into their trade exception. With Danny Ainge supposedly looking for size and shooting, it’s easy to make a case for Aldridge, but that’s perhaps an oversimplification. Wing depth is probably more important for Boston.

Should not be forgotten, but the Spurs signing of LaMarcus Aldridge in 2015 was one of the biggest free agent acquisitions in franchise history. The club then set a team record by going 67-15 & tied an NBA record with 40 home wins that year.

— Dan Weiss (@DanWeissPBP) March 11, 2021

Aldridge doesn’t help trying to defend against Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Boston is only likely to pursue this trade as a last resort. Even then, Ainge may prefer to keep the TPE for the offseason.

Suggestions of a return to Portland have been everywhere since the news broke. The Blazers need frontcourt depth, but matching the salary will hit them too hard for a trade to work. Giving up Rodney Hood and Derrick Jones Jr. probably isn’t worth it.

You know who could use LaMarcus Aldridge?

The Portland Trail Blazers.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) March 11, 2021

As a trade candidate, Aldridge makes most sense for postseason chasing teams. Teams like the Heat and Suns would need to give up too much to match the salary. It’s commonplace to see Miami among the favorites in any NBA trade betting, and Aldridge would be a fit if he’s bought out, but it doesn’t make much sense to flip Kelly Olynyk and salary filler for Aldridge.

Hornets Flip Zeller

Charlotte is a possible trade destination. The Hornets could use Cody Zeller and salary filler to work a deal with a second-round pick or two. Aldridge’s greatest value is bringing experience to a young team.

Charlotte will not be at the center of Aldridge trade rumors, but they are perhaps the destination which make the most sense.

The Hornets are definitely the pick of the market at +400, but with that salary, a buyout remains a very strong possibility. If bought out, the usual championship-contending suspects are the most likely landing spots for Aldridge.