San Antonio Spurs Rumors: LaMarcus Aldridge's long-term future in doubt, DeMar DeRozan could join the Orlando Magic and more
The San Antonio Spurs made an excellent start to the new NBA season, and it appeared that Gregg Popovich's team would once again defy expectations to secure a playoff spot in an ultra-competitive Western Conference. However, the Spurs have lost six straight games to fall down the West standings, and it is evident that the roster needs a shakeup.
While the Spurs have historically avoided making mid-season moves, this year could prove to be different due to the danger of missing out on the playoffs. So, with the potential for plenty to happen, here we will take a look at all the latest San Antonio Spurs rumors you need to know.
#1 LaMarcus Aldridge could be 'phased out' this season
Over the past few years, LaMarcus Aldridge has been San Antonio's most consistent star. Last season, Aldridge averaged 21.3 points and 9.2 assists per game - earning his seventh All-Star appearance in the process.
However, Popovich has increasingly run his offense through other options this season, and Aldridge's stats are down across the board. Due to this, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz believes that the All-Stars stay in San Antonio may be nearing an end:
The strength of this Spurs team comes from its speedy backcourt. Even looking past DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio's future revolves around two-way guards Dejounte Murray and Derrick White... He was the perfect signing to help support and carry the Spurs' veterans, it's now Aldridge who's beginning to get phased out in San Antonio.
Swartz mentions the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics as potential trade destinations, while Aldridge has also been linked with a return to the Portland Trail Blazers.