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Recently acquired big man LaMarcus Aldridge will not be returning to the Portland Trail Blazers, according to The Athletic’s Jason Quick. Quick says he was told the role in Portland wouldn’t be big enough to merit a reunion. Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic is set to return against the Orlando Magic on Friday night. Reserve center Enes Kanter performed well in Nurkic’s absence. With the pivot position full again, Aldridge would become a third wheel.
Being told LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland isn’t going to happen. Not a big enough role for him with Nurkic returning on Friday and Enes Kanter playing so well.
– Jason Quick (@jwquick) March 25, 2021
Aldridge was officially bought out by the San Antonio Spurs after today’s trade deadline
LaMarcus Aldridge returned $ 7.25million in Spurs contract buyout, sources say @TheAthletic @Stadium. Aldridge owed $ 24 million this season. The Miami Heat are a strong candidate to sign the former All-Star as a free agent, sources say, with Portland among others.
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Earlier this week, New York Times’ Marc Stein reported that the Miami Heat were in the box to land Aldridge if he was redeemed.
Earlier this month, the Spurs announced that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Aldridge, with San Antonio scrambling to find a new home for the 15-year veteran.
Aldridge has spent the past six seasons with the San Antonio Spurs after drastically leaving the Blazers in the 2015 offseason.
Aldridge had previously discussed a possible return to Portland and a reunion with former teammate Damian Lillard.
In 21 games this season, Aldridge has averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
The Blazers currently have two open spots on the roster following today’s trade with the Toronto Raptors, which sent Gary Trent, Jr. and Rodney Hood to Toronto for Norman Powell.
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