The Golden State Warriors have an interest in trading for San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and may be willing to move their lottery pick to make it happen.
That’s the word from ESPN insider Zach Lowe, who got wind of some scuttlebutt that suggested the Warriors would send their No. 2 overall selection to the Spurs for Aldridge and the No. 11.
“Someone within the league texted me and said, ‘Hey, there is a little bit of buzz about No. 2 to San Antonio for LaMarcus Aldridge and No. 11, and obviously there has to be salary going out,'” Lowe said on his podcast. “And my response was, ‘That’s crazy! The Warriors should not do that.'”
Regardless of your feelings on that particular rumor, there’s no doubt the Warriors could move the pick. That doesn’t mean they will. It just means they are in win-now mode, and if they can get another veteran to help make another run to the Finals … well, odds are, that’s the path they will take.
While people seem to be down on Aldridge these days, the numbers show he is still a productive player who could undoubtedly help a contender. He may be 35 years old, but he averaged 18.9 points and 7.4 assists last season.
Along with that, the Spurs are expected to enter rebuild mode. And if not rebuild, then retool. No matter what you call it, Aldridge isn’t likely part of the plans.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are banking on the returns of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to return to contention. But the buzz is they are still a good veteran away.
If they can get that veteran for the No. 2 pick, you can be sure they’ll do it.
