LaMarcus Aldridge’s time on the San Antonio Spurs has come to an end.
The team announced on Wednesday that they have mutually agreed to part ways with the longtime center. Aldridge had been with the Spurs since 2015, starting at the five position until the 2019-2020 season, when he moved to a role coming off the bench. This year, Aldridge saw a further dip in playing time, averaging just under 26 minutes per game, while also having his least productive season since his rookie campaign with 13.7 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game. Following the All-Star break, the team gave Aldridge an opportunity to seek out possible trade options with other teams. If no deal can be made before the deadline on March 25, the Spurs will work on a buyout with Aldridge, who was set to be paid $24 million in 2021, the final year of his contract.
Aldridge is a seven-time All-Star and five-time member of the All-NBA team. He appeared in the All-Star game representing the Spurs in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Though he arrived in San Antonio after their championship seasons, he still served an important role on the team in his 5-plus years, leading the team to playoffs berths in all but one season. If he is not ultimately traded, it would not be surprising if teams planning on making a playoff push look to pick him up in free agency as added depth off the bench.
