No one can replace Ariza, but if the rockets have a chance to get a star player like Aldridge, then they have to give up something. Still, Aldridge has to say yes to Houston first, too early to tell since several teams want to have him, but Spurs should have a better chance.
The media is DYING for someone of relevance to come play for the Lakers and it is ridiculous how they are now linking Aldridge there like he is going to leave a struggling but good team to go join one of the worst teams in the league without a HOF coach. They are delusional and extremely aggravating. I just want to punch those fools for making up news. I hope the Lakers suck this bad for 100 years!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: LaMarcus Aldridge has told the Blazers he's not coming back <a href="http://t.co/1CtI3TYrzI">http://t.co/1CtI3TYrzI</a> <a href="http://t.co/voD1ELbeus">pic.twitter.com/voD1ELbeus</a></p>— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsNBA/status/614169709370544128">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If LMA is out -- and I've heard nothing to indicate otherwise -- Spurs probably start as slight favorites to get him.</p>— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA/status/614171850701176833">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/pmondol">@pmondol</a> Yes. If you're evaluating team strength based on success in West bracket, I'd find another way.</p>— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachLowe_NBA/status/614172640673169408">June 25, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Not surprised. The Batum deal kinda confirmed this. So there's one less team to worry about next season in Portlland. They took 2 of 3 from the Rockets, so every extra win we can get helps. It's gonna cost the Spurs a lot to get him if he decides to go there. Splitter may have to be dealt, Manu will be forced to retire or play for peanuts, and Green will be too expensive to resign.
SnT Houston out: D-Mo, K-Pap, Ariza, Nick Johnson, Capela, Dorsey, Prigs,, 18th pick, a future top 3 pick and the 32nd pick. Houston in: LMA and Iman Shumpert (SnT) Trade T-Jones for a future first round pick. Lull (MLE)/Terry Harden/Barnes? Shumpert/Brewer(re-signed) LMA/Smith (re-signed) Dwight/Perkins? Cleveland out: Iman Shumpert, Haywood and a future first pick Cleveland In: Ariza, Dorsey, Steve Blake and 32nd pick Cleveland sends out very little and get back a whole lot more. Portland Out: LMA (snt) and Steve Blake Portland In: Cleveland pick, Rockets future pick, 18th pick, Haywood's non-guaranteed contract, KPap's non-guaranteed contract, D-Mo, Capela, Nick Johnson. Portland rebuilds with non-guaranteed contracts, 3 picks and very young players to develop. Not sure if the money works...but it will be close!
