The Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics are expected to be the leading candidates for LaMarcus Aldridge if he is bought out by the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs are continuing to explore trades for Aldridge, sources said. Should Aldridge receive a buyout, Miami, Portland and Boston are expected to be leading suitors.
Finding a suitor to take on Aldridge’s $24 million contract will be the biggest challenge for the Spurs.
All three teams mentioned by Charania could use Aldridge’s size, floor spacing and ability to knock down three-pointers.
Aldridge, 35, would bolster the frontcourt depth of any team that he ends up with.
A reunion with the Trail Blazers seems very possible, as Aldridge spent his first nine NBA seasons with the franchise and has familiarity with backcourt stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
The Trail Blazers are also still without big men Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins, so there could be some more playing time for Aldridge while those players remain out.
Aldridge and the Spurs mutually agreed to part ways on March 11 as they seek potential trade options.
In 21 games, Aldridge is averaging 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
