Blazers Say LaMarcus Aldridge Happy and Hasn’t Asked for Trade

There have been rumors all summer long about forward LaMarcus Aldridge wanting out of Portland — this, despite his denial of the reports. Blazers GM Neil Olshey says it’s a simple matter of the media fabricating stories, and that the star forward is happy with the team and his situation. Per KATU (via Blazers Edge): “Where do LaMarcus Aldridge trade rumors come from? ‘I think it comes from all you [media] — everybody fighting to be first with inaccurate information. I can tell you, LaMarcus Aldridge, you guys have known him longer than I have. And if he had asked to be traded, he would have told people that he asked to be traded. He never asked to be traded. The fact that I had breakfast in a hotel lobby with [Arn Tellem], one of my oldest and best friends who I worked with for seven years, who also represents Robin Lopez and Dorell Wright, along with LaMarcus Aldridge, probably doesn’t lead to the fact that we’re trying to trade LaMarcus Aldridge. But, you know, like I said, it’s part of the business. LaMarcus understands it. He ignores it. If [Aldridge requesting a trade] was the case, we’d be dealing with it. It’s not. He’s happy.’ … ‘I think last year was a tough year for everybody. Portland is not a market that accepts losing. We’d tried not to rebuild but we always tried to be somewhat judicious in terms of how much future flexibility we gave away. To be honest with you, that’s the results of this offseason. Had we done more minor moves and put more assets in play, moved more draft picks, there wouldn’t have been a [Thomas] Robinson or a Robin Lopez. If we had given long-term deals to guys we weren’t totally sure on, there wouldn’t have been a Mo Williams today. I think what LaMarcus sees now — like what you just brought up — there is a plan. And we’re executing the plan and we’re going to stay disciplined and stay diligent about getting there as quickly as possible without jeopardizing the long-term health of the franchise. One thing we have to remember: LaMarcus is only 27. He’s been here a long time but he’s a young player in our league, in terms of how long his career is going to be. It will all work out really well in the end as long as we all stay on the same path.'”