NBA Trade Rumors: Where Might LaMarcus Aldridge Land?

Honorable Mention: Philadelphia 76ers

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have a surplus of big men and a general manager who wants to win sooner than later. Bryan Colangelo has orchestrated immediate turnarounds in the past, and this could be another opportunity for him to do so.

By pairing LaMarcus Aldridge with Joel Embiid, the 76ers could potentially revitalize the organization and return to the playoffs with just one trade.

Aldridge could be swapped for Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor, with both teams gaining additional assets in the deal. Noel would anchor the Spurs’ defensive interior and Okafor has drawn Tim Duncan comparisons, whether appropriate or otherwise.

If a third team were to get involved, thus giving Aldridge more veteran help in Philadelphia, this deal could work—and that’s the only way this deal could work.

The reason this trade won’t happen is because of the integrity of the San Antonio Spurs’ front office. It’s hard to imagine R.C. Buford trading Aldridge to a non-contender in the prime of his career, but don’t write this off entirely.

Aldridge to a contender, Okafor or Noel to San Antonio, and said contender sending players to Philadelphia could make sense. See: the following slides.