San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge reacts to offseason trade rumors

At San Antonio Spurs Media Day, LaMarcus Aldridge reacted to the offseason trade rumors that surrounded him.

Around the 2017 NBA Draft, San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge was the center of trade rumors. He was available for a high first-round pick, but nothing materialized. Sam Amick of USA Today reported Aldridge was “unhappy” with the Spurs and the “driving force” of the trade talks.

However, Spurs General Manager RC Buford shut down the rumors, with no fallout afterward. Aldridge stayed with San Antonio in the offseason, while other roster moves were made. That included the acquisition of Rudy Gay, Joffrey Lauvergne and Brandon Paul in free agency.

At Monday’s media day, Aldridge was asked about the offseason trade chatter. He addressed it but didn’t seem phased:

“It’s a part of the NBA. Guys move around and guys go team-to-team at times. It happens and I’m used to it. I know I can control what I do and that’s what I did. I worked hard all summer. I got better, I feel like. I’m healthy right now. I feel good.”

“No, maybe in my younger days in Portland, I took it personal. But as I’m older, I’m used to the game and I know it’s a business. So, no, I don’t take it personal anymore.”

When asked about potential unhappiness in San Antonio, Aldridge said, “People are always going to say things or flip things or run with stories,” and explained how it frustrated him.