LaMarcus Aldridge Signs Three-Year, $72.3 Million Contract Extension With the San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge has struggled to fit in with the San Antonio Spurs since he joined them in the summer of 2015, and a lot of observers had assumed that he would turn down his $22.3 million player option for the 2018–19 season so he could walk away from the situation he's in.
But after a turbulent offseason, the five-time All-Star managed to clear the air with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during training camp, and now the team has announced that they have signed Aldridge to a contract extension.
The Spurs did not disclose the details of the deal, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Aldridge signed a three-year deal worth $72.3 million. The All-Star forward will exercise the $22.3 million player option in his current contract and he's getting additional two years and $50 million. The salary for the third year of the deal is partially guaranteed.
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"I'm happy to be here. It worked out for both sides. I feel like this preseason has been great for myself. Trying to find my rhythm, be myself. I feel like the offense has had some tweaks where I'm feeling more comfortable, helping the team. Pop [coach Gregg Popovich] told me he was happy about it," Aldridge said, via ESPN.
"This place is great, great organization. They do things the right way. Talks this summer were very constructive. ... I like that Pop has been great about what I needed or wanted. So far, it's been great," he added.
Aldridge was one of the focal points of the Portland Trail Blazers' offense before he joined San Antonio, but so far, he hasn't played to his full potential with the Spurs. Popovich has admitted that the forward had just cause to feel frustrated and they will likely run more plays for him this season.
Aldridge is now under contract through the 2020–21 season.
