Zach Lowe's crazy predictions for the season one is LMA related

[Nolan]

Here's the one:

9. LaMarcus Aldridge's name will surface in trade talks

The Spurs are self-aware. I have a hunch they know this is something of a placeholder season, and that without some injury luck swinging their way at the right time, they are a tier below Golden State. Aldridge is 31, six years older than Kawhi Leonard, and his trade value will never be higher; he can opt out of his contract after the 2017-18 season.

The Spurs will see if this team outperforms expectations. If it doesn't, they should take calls on Aldridge. He's really good, and there are a lot of impatient owners chasing immediate gratification. If opportunism meets desperation, the Spurs could fleece some rival and restock with a bundle of assets that better line up with Leonard's timetable.

The Lakers have a ton of young talent -- and top decision-makers clinging to jobs. Aldridge almost signed in Phoenix, and Suns owner Robert Sarver is dying to get back to the playoffs. They have a stockpile of prospects stuck behind fogies and mid-career guys, plus those extra Miami picks. Dallas and Houston will always look, even with Dirk Nowitzki and Ryan Anderson slotted into Aldridge's nominal position (and not much to trade beyond future picks). Maybe Toronto goes for it. Maybe Oklahoma City reloads.

The odds are against any deal happening. Signing Gasol to a two-year deal (with a player option for 2017-18) is something of an all-in move, and even if Gasol opts out after this season, the Aldridge-Leonard combo is a shiny lure for free agents. But if the season unfolds the wrong way, here's betting the Spurs at least listen.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17734638/30-crazy-predictions-2016-17-nba-season-zach-lowe

I really don't see it happening. LMA's the only big name free agent we've been able to snag in a long ass time and dealing him might insure that we don't get another free agent of his caliber for quite some time.

The only way I could see it happening is if a team makes us an offer that's just too good to refuse. Something like the Suns offering us Booker and Bender or the Lakers offering Russel and Randle.

Thoughts?

[Phreak50]

You're right, would only ever be a too good to refuse offer, which isn't happening for Aldridge.

[SD2042]

Here's another thing. Where's this talk about LMA supposedly not fitting into the system? I was under the impression he was doing well with the Spurs.

[mikejames23]

If we were to do this every time the playoffs ended in a disappointment, everyone on the Spurs roster would've been traded. Ginobilli, Parker, etc. would never have lasted either. I am fairly certain this is bogus.

[Phreak50]

Franchise record wins with a guy who struggled for most part of the year. He isn't going anywhere.

[Froob]

I'm sure Boston is going to be in on these rumors. I hope we don't, Aldridge isn't good enough to put us over the top to be worth giving up valuable young players and picks. Spurs are kinda stuck in a spot where it'll be real difficult to overcome the Dubs playing their style. Never count Pop out, but barring injury I dunno how they'd pull it off. Good luck to ya, I'd love to see it happen.

[alexb618]

highly unlikely that aldridge is going anywhere

people on the GB are saying duncan had a better season and they agree aldridge is done, maybe they dont watch basketball?

[Nolan]

highly unlikely that aldridge is going anywhere

people on the GB are saying duncan had a better season and they agree aldridge is done, maybe they dont watch basketball?

Yeah he didn't look very done lol.

[Nolan]

Here's another thing. Where's this talk about LMA supposedly not fitting into the system? I was under the impression he was doing well with the Spurs.

He was and is. And it's not like we won a franchise record 67 games last season with him in the fold.... oh wait we did.

[SD2042]

Here's another thing. Where's this talk about LMA supposedly not fitting into the system? I was under the impression he was doing well with the Spurs.

He was and is. And it's not like we won a franchise record 67 games last season with him in the fold.... oh wait we did.

I get that part. I'm questioning the source of where all this talk just spark all this smoke all of a sudden. It's like a blitz attack, it just came out of nowhere.

[-Sammy-]

I'm of the 'silly rumor' mentality, but I'll confess that I'd be okay with them pulling the trigger for a top-five pick. We're not winning the west for the next couple of years, and LMA isn't going to be MORE of an asset by the time the GS cartel breaks up, so I'd be content with them continuing to develop Kawhi and bringing in another young blue-chip or two to pair him with.

[90sgoat]

LMA was awful on defense in the playoffs, Pop won't ignore that.