Portland Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge has addressed his future as he looks ahead to free agency this summer and the possibility of moving on.
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Speculation in recent months has suggested that the star power forward could be moving on this off-season, with the San Antonio Spurs constantly linked with a move.
With the Trail Blazers falling at the first hurdle in the playoffs this year, that would have done little to change Aldridge’s mind if he is ultimately chasing a championship. However, judging from his comments on Thursday, it sounds as though he wants to stay in Portland if possible.
“Of course I love being here, and I’m thankful for everything this city has given me, thankful for my time here,” Aldridge told reporters Thursday, according to The Oregonian.
“It’s been an amazing nine years, and of course I’m not trying to make that end.”
Aldridge added that he will sit down with his family and agent once he has had time to recover from the long, gruelling season that he has just been through.
The nine-year veteran sounds as though he is leaning towards staying with the Trail Blazers, as his comments struck of having loyalty and wanting to give as much back to the city as possible.
He added that he wouldn’t drag things out when the market opens on July 1, and so the organisation will be hopeful of signing him to a new deal which secures his long-term future with them.
Portland have made big strides over the last two years with the likes of Aldridge and point guard Damian Lillard leading the way, but they will need to continue to strengthen the roster where possible in order to become a legitimate contender in the post-season.
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