The reports are swirling around LaMarcus Aldridge and a host of possible destinations, but it looks like the only sure bet is him not returning to Portland.
The Blazers star is “99% gone” according to those in the know.
And Wednesday’s trade of forward Nicolas Batum was an indication, league sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, of Portland’s growing belief that Aldridge is poised to leave in free agency.
“He’s gone,” a source close to Aldridge said. “There’s a 99.9 percent chance that he’s out of Portland.”
The sources listed several reasons Aldridge is expected to leave the Blazers, for whom he has played since entering the league in 2006. They said he doesn’t believe the Blazers can attract top free agents to improve the team, that he feels somewhat underappreciated by the organization and that he simply is looking for a new environment to live in.
Aldridge will reportedly choose from among a group of teams that includes the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks.