LaMarcus Aldridge has remained very tight lipped about the expiring contract to his name. The forward has said nothing in terms of his future with the Portland Trail Blazers, maintaining that he is merely focused on the playoffs and nothing beyond that. However, there is reportedly lingering doubt that Aldridge plans on re-signing with Portland as interest him grows around the league.
As Portland continues against the Memphis Grizzlies, the future of Aldridge is in the back of everyone's minds. According to Jason Quick of the Oregonian, several Blazers' players are worried that Aldridge is ready to bolt Portland in favor of a larger-market team. Quick wrote, "Some Blazers players have already said they are worried free agency will take Aldridge away from Portland this summer. Earlier this month, before a home game, a Blazers player estimated the chances of him returning to Portland at 50-50."
These concerns come after Aldridge told the media last July that he would favor signing a five-year contract with the Trail Blazers. However, Quick writes that Aldridge might prefer getting closer to family who reside in Texas. One thing is certain, if Aldridge is ready to leave Portland, plenty of teams are ready to chase him. According to SBNation.com, the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers have Aldridge at the top of their wish lists while teams like the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks could take a lot of interest in the forward as well.
The roster of Portland could really dictate was Aldridge does. There is no doubt that Damien Lillard is a star in the marking. However, the health of Wesley Matthews is being questioned. Robin Lopez is a free agent in the offseason. There are holes that Portland would need to fill in order to remain successful. That could push Aldridge out especially if the team fails to get past the first round of the playoffs.
Aldridge already turned down a three-year contract extension and can be expected to test the market regardless of what his intentions are. A star like the forward wants the most money he can earn which is why he stated the desire to get a five-year deal. Aldridge is stressing that the rejection of the contract does not mean he is unhappy in Portland, but financial security is a priority of his.
"I don't want it to be perceived that I'm not happy, or I'm not staying on because I'm not signing a three-year deal,'' Aldridge said, via The Oregonian last July. "It's just financially smarter to wait ... and I'm looking forward to signing the five-year deal when the chance comes.''
Portland fans should be concerned. Plenty of teams in the league will chase after Aldridge with big money. If things end poorly this season, he might not hesitate to jump ship.