NBA Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets among the teams that could trade for LaMarcus Aldridge
What's the rumor?
The San Antonio Spurs fell to a 14th defeat of the season on Sunday night as Gregg Popovich's team was swept aside by the struggling Detroit Pistons. The Spurs' record now sits at 7-14, and it appears that they will miss out on the postseason for the first time in more than two decades.
With the Spurs no longer in contention, it is believed that the team could be open to trades in the coming months, and LaMarcus Aldridge is among the big names that could leave. The 34-year-old has been linked with a number of teams around the league, and an unnamed Western Conference executive told HoopsHype that the Denver Nuggets are a possible destination:
"Denver could be a destination for Aldridge...If they think he can play the 4, it could make sense. He probably can’t play the 4 at this stage, but I don’t know how other front offices feel. Malik Beasley and Mason Plumlee for LaMarcus is one possible trade scenario."
In case you didn't know...
After spending his first nine seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge signed with the Spurs as a free agent in 2015. Aldridge has missed out on All-Star selection just once in his four seasons in San Antonio, and the 34-year-old is averaging 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game this season.
The heart of the matter
The Nuggets already appear to be contenders in the West and the addition of Aldridge would further elevate their chances of advancing to the NBA Finals. However, Denver has built a talented young roster, and it remains to be seen if they will be willing to pay a big price to lure a 34-year-old that could soon decline.
What's next?
The Spurs are back in action on Tuesday as they face the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will take on the Los Angeles Lakers.