Spurs GM RC Buford comments on LaMarcus Aldridge trade rumors

Buford does not deny Spurs were involved in trade talks

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO – For the better part of a day, rumors swirled about LaMarcus Aldridge’s future with the San Antonio Spurs. He remains with the team, for now. 

Leading up to Thursday night’s draft, there were reports Aldridge was not happy with the Spurs and wanted out of San Antonio.

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The Spurs were said to be actively shopping Aldridge and reportedly involved in trade conversations with multiple teams, and talks to move into the top 10 of the draft.

The draft came and went and the Spurs stayed quiet. General manager RC Buford commented on the rumors late Thursday night after the draft ended.

"We’re happy with the group we have, if we can make it better, we’ll do it at any opportunity we can,” Buford said. "It’s more than just players, it’s the fit for our group.”  

The Spurs signed Aldridge to a 4-year, $84 million contract in July 2015 and have had back-to-back 60-win seasons, but regular season success has not led to a championship. 

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San Antonio advanced to the Western Conference Finals this past season and were swept by the Golden State Warriors.

Aldridge struggled during the series after Kawhi Leonard got hurt in Game 1. Tony Parker had already been ruled out of the playoffs with a major leg injury. 

As the Spurs primary option on offense, Aldridge averaged only 11.3 points per game against Golden State in Games 2 to 4 of the series.

Questions about his play and whether he may be injured began to surface. That prompted an off-season of uncertainty for Aldridge.

Buford said Aldridge remains part the team’s current plans.

"Our goal for this team is to continue to compete for championships and LaMarcus helps us do that, and that’s where we sit with LaMarcus,” Buford said.

Free agency officially starts on July 1 and the Spurs are expected to be active in the market. The Aldridge trade rumors may be far from over.

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About the Author:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.