With trade rumors surfacing, LaMarcus Aldridge's future with Spurs blurry

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In the start of year two, it appears the LaMarcus Aldridge experiment in San Antonio is in danger of collapsing.

The Express-News has been informed by a league source the Spurs are open to trading the former Longhorn should the right package surface. Those within the Spurs refuted the suggestion, saying no talks have occurred with any team.

Recent comments from ESPN.com's Jackie MacMullan, who is well-sourced in NBA circles, suggest the Spurs could trade Aldridge before the end of the season.

Speaking to CSNNE.com's Early Edition, MacMullan said the addition of Aldridge has not worked out like the Spurs hoped.

Asked if she would want Aldridge to come to the Boston Celtics, who are loaded with draft picks, MacMullan responded: "No. Not after what I heard the other day I don't. Of course, you would take him on if you could because he's an automatic double-double. But there's just some things about him. There is some stuff going on maybe."

This isn't the first time rumors surrounding Aldridge's future with San Antonio have surfaced. Last season, there were rumblings in NBA circles that Aldridge wanted to be traded before the All-Star break, maybe to a team like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Spurs didn't bite, though, won 67 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Those close to the situation suggest Aldridge may not be happy at the moment. The belief is the Spurs pitched him on becoming the center of their offense when they recruited him in 2015, and that hasn't occurred with the rise of Kawhi Leonard. However, a team source said there are currently no problems with Aldridge, adding he is apart of the Spurs' future.

Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge watches before a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Oct. 10, 2016. This isn't the first time trade rumors have swirled around the All Star big man. less Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge watches before a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Oct. 10, 2016. This isn't the first time trade rumors have swirled around the All Star big ... more Photo: Paul Sancya /Associated Press Photo: Paul Sancya /Associated Press Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close With trade rumors surfacing, LaMarcus Aldridge's future with Spurs blurry 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

If you recall, Aldridge went through a similar situation with the Trail Blazers. Though there was no serious turmoil between the two, Aldridge wasn't exactly thrilled with the accession and eventual takeover by Damian Lillard as the face of the franchise.

Some in NBA circles speculate Aldridge may not be with the Spurs by the end of his deal, which runs through the end of next season, with a player option worth roughly $22 million for the 2018-19 season.

Could the Phoenix Suns re-emerge as a potential suitor for Aldridge's services? Head coach Earl Watson played with Aldridge in Portland and the two are said to be close. Maybe Danny Ainge would unload some of those draft picks in a deal to bring Aldridge to Boston.

Whatever the case, this isn't how the Spurs wanted to start off their 2016-17 season, which begins a week from now in Oakland, with rumors surrounding last season's free agent prize.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and GM R.C. Buford are not ones to panic, though. If there is some friction behind the scenes, the recent addition of Monty Williams to the front office staff may help, as Williams and Aldridge are close dating back to their days in Portland.

Don't be surprised if the Spurs play out this season with Aldridge. Should they fail to advance to at least the Western Conference Finals, maybe look to trade him next offseason. But if any rumored friction continues to progress, something could be done sooner.