LaMarcus Aldridge Says He Hasn’t Demanded a Trade

All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge addressed trade rumors, stating that he hasn’t asked the Portland Trail Blazers to move him. Aldridge adds that he’s looking forward to the team’s moves once the free agent period begins on July 1. Per the Oregonian: “‘I haven’t demanded a trade,’ Aldridge said in the e-mail. The 6-foot-11 power forward, who has played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Blazers and still has two years remaining on a five-year, $62.5 million contract with the team, declined an interview request to elaborate and detail his thoughts about playing in Portland. But in an e-mail exchange on Saturday, he did offer one more tidbit. ‘I’m looking forward to who we sign in free agency to make us better,’ Aldridge said in the e-mail. […] Aldridge, who has blossomed into one of the best power forwards in the NBA, is coming off one of his finest seasons. He averaged 21.1 points, a career-high 9.1 rebounds and a career-high 2.6 assists per game and made his second consecutive All-Star Game appearance. Along with point guard Damian Lillard, the reigning Rookie of the Year, Aldridge is considered a key component of the Blazers’ rebuilding efforts. It would likely take a sweetheart deal for general manager Neil Olshey to part with his franchise cornerstone.”