In an offseason full of big names, LaMarcus Aldridge's pending free agency is arguably the largest. At Portland's exit interviews on Thursday, he said no decision has been made and that the Trail Blazers have a clear advantage over anyone else after his years of success with them.
LaMarcus Aldridge says it’s been an ‘amazing 9 years’ with the Blazers
The Blazers’ star strongly suggested Portland is still the favorite in his free agency derby, though he’ll listen to other offers.
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
“Of course I love being here, and I’m thankful for everything this city has given me, thankful for my time here,” Aldridge said via The Oregonian. “It’s been an amazing nine years and of course I’m not trying to make that end.”
The Trail Blazers' season ended prematurely this month as they fell in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies in five games. Once again, a promising season in Portland was derailed by injuries, first to Wesley Matthews and then Arron Afflalo.
Aldridge says his mind isn't made up for this offseason. He will definitely have suitors, including the San Antonio Spurs, likely facing the retirement of Tim Duncan, the Dallas Mavericks, where he grew up and went to high school, and the always-interested Lakers and Knicks.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to be wanted, because it would mean you are one of the top players at your position,” he said. “But there’s good and bad that comes with it, and I will have to deal with it. I’m just looking to get rest and I will figure the rest out later.”
Aldridge said it’s not his personality to drag this decision out once teams can begin recruiting him on July 1.
“We will sit down and figure it out,” Aldridge said. “I’m not going to get into the percentages. I’ve always loved being here and I’ve had a great 9 years here -- that’s always going to have more weight than anything else.”
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