Disappointed over his poor performance in the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs are looking to trade power forward Lamarcus Aldridge before Thursday’s NBA Draft. According to John Gambadoro of Sports 98.7, the Spurs want to get a top-five pick in exchange for the 31-year-old Aldridge. Sam Amico of Amico Hoops said the Sacramento Kings could trade for Aldridge.
The Spurs signed Aldridge in 2015 as an heir apparent to Tim Duncan. Aldridge lived up to that billing in his first season in San Antonio, averaging 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Last season, Aldridge’s scoring and rebounding dipped to 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, his lowest output since his rookie season.
Spurs fans looked up to him when Kawhi Leonard went down with an injury in the Western Conference Finals. However, Aldridge failed to deliver, averaging just 15.5 points and 5.8 rebounds as the Spurs were swept by the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Trading Aldridge will give the Spurs around $21.4 million in salary cap space.
Spurs also looking to trade Danny Green
The San Antonio Express-News reported that the Spurs are also willing to trade shooting guard Danny Green, who will make $10 million next season. Many teams will be interested in Green, who averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds last season. Aside from his three-point shooting, Green is also known as a solid defender.
The Spurs can get additional salary cap space when Pau Gasol officially declines his $16 million player option for next season.
Gasol said he will opt out of his deal but plans to stay with the Spurs for a lower contract. Power forward David Lee also plans to opt out of his $1.6 million option for next season.
Meanwhile, the Spurs reportedly extended a qualifying offer of $1.6 million to Jonathon Simmons, making him a restricted free agent. The Spurs have the right to match any offer Simmons receives from other squads.
Simmons averaged just 6.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in the regular season but he stepped up in the playoffs in the absence of Leonard.
Spurs need salary cap space for Chris Paul
It was reported that the Spurs are eyeing to sign All-Star point guard Chris Paul but they need a huge cap space to accommodate his salary demand. Paul can ask the Los Angeles Clippers for a maximum five-year deal worth over $200 million. According to reports, Paul is strongly considering the Spurs as his next destination but he should lower his salary demand to fulfill his wish to play under coach Gregg Popovich.