As the San Antonio Spurs continue to seek out a potential trade partner for seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, the Boston Celtics aren’t expected to be suitors, unless Aldridge is bought out.
Reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Celtics are one of three ‘leading suitors’ should Aldridge receive a buyout from San Antonio. Charania relates that the Spurs “are continuing to explore trades for Aldridge, sources said. Should Aldridge receive a buyout, Miami, Portland and Boston are expected to be leading suitors,” noting that the 14-season veteran also happens to be on an expiring $24 million contract, with the implication his deal could help a team clear its books at the end of the season,
Spurs’ Aldridge linked to Celtics as a trade target, but does that make sense? https://t.co/XEEsOpkdmX
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 14, 2021
Prior to the March 10 game against the Dallas Mavericks, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich announced that the team and Aldridge had “mutually agreed to work out some opportunities for him and that’ll be elsewhere” per the A.P.’s Tim Reynolds.
Popovich also shared that Aldridge would remain away from the organization during the process.
Gregg Popovich on LaMarcus Aldridge: pic.twitter.com/OQN0U3jVNV
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) March 11, 2021
The Celtics have also been mentioned in having trade interest in acquiring Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes and Atlanta’s John Collins.
In 21 games for San Antonio this season, Aldridge averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
