Raptors: 2 pros and cons of trading for LaMarcus Aldridge

The Toronto Raptors have been getting carpet-bombed with trade rumors over the last few weeks, as they have both been classed as buyers and sellers given the constant Kyle Lowry buzz. The Raptors have been heavily linked to a few different big men, including San Antonio Spurs greybeard LaMarcus Aldridge.

After nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, which netted him four All-Star Game nods, San Antonio uncharacteristically payed a lot of money in free agency for the former No. 2 overall pick. In six seasons under Gregg Popovich, Aldridge has averaged 19.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game on 50% shooting, all the while being name an All-Star three times.

Still, Father Time has been running up the score on Aldridge of late, even forcing him to accept a role on the bench in San Antonio with the aim of getting younger players some extra burn.

Aldridge and the Spurs have mutually agreed to part ways, with the Raptors being eyed as a potential suitor given the need for frontcourt help.

Aldridge is the definition of a risky trade proposition, as all the positives that could come with adding the potential Hall of Famer are almost equally outweighed by the negatives.

What are the pros and cons of the Raptors getting LaMarcus Aldridge?

Pro-Aldridge point No. 1: He’s an effective scorer and rebounder

While Aldridge isn’t even cracking five rebounds per game this season, he has averaged at least 7.4 in every other season in the NBA, showing that he can still crash the boards at an effective rate. Aldridge, who used to be known as the king of the 15-foot bank shot, is starting to extend his offensive range.

Aldridge, who is averaging 13.7 points per game on 46% shooting in what has been a down year for him, has started to shoot 3-pointers, making 38% of his 3.1 shots per game. That trait could be valuable in a Nick Nurse offense that is currently forcing some poor shooters to chuck it from deep.

Aldridge can fix two of the Raptors’ biggest problems

San Antonio’s slow offense is just about the worst possible situation for someone trying to pile up the points in the modern NBA, and Aldridge is still getting it done while being a competent rebounder.

The Raptors have a very specific set of needs that they need to address before the deadline hits, and Aldridge would help check a few of their boxes. Experienced players like him with his pedigree very rarely become available at the deadline, and Masai Ujiri should pounce if the Spurs are interested in dealing with him again.