For those of you who follow the goingson of the Portland Trail Blazers, then you know that forward LaMarcus Aldridge is in the last year of his 4-year rookie contract and is eligible for a long-term deal after that contract expires. That’s where October 31 becomes a big date on Aldridge’s and the Trail Blazers’ calendar.
Why is October 31 such a big date, you’re wondering? That date would signal the deadline for Aldridge to sign a long-term deal, otherwise, he becomes a restricted free agent in July 2010 – which means that teams can sign Aldridge, but the Trail Blazers would have the right to match other clubs’ offers.
Speaking of which, Aldridge’s progress on a long-term deal is moving along and talks are getting better, according to Jason Quick of The Oregonian. And based on comments made by team general manager Kevin Pritchard, things are looking up for all parties involved; Pritchard had this to say:
“There has been movement. But I don’t want to get the cart before the horse because I want to do this right. I want to make sure we are staying on the right path. But I feel like we are moving toward a deal. Now that doesn’t mean we are going to get a deal done. Negotiations ebb and flow all the time, so I want to be cautious with that. But I’m optimistic, I really am.”
And:
“It’s getting a feel for what they are really looking for, and them understanding our position. And that doesn’t happen in one conversation. Especially with these (negotiations) that are more complicated and bigger. So I feel like we really understand their position and they understand our position, so we are moving.”
Interestingly enough, Brandon Roy was in such a position; subsequently, he would ink a four year contract extension, with an option on a 5th year. The Blazers have a history of taking care of their own – so to speak – so a signing of an extension by Aldridge would not at all be surprising. Considering his numbers last season, it would make sense as he and Roy are the heart and soul of the team; Aldridge averaged 18.1 PPG and 7.5 RPG while Roy averaged 22.6 PPG along with 4.7 RPG and 5.1 RPG.
Suffice it to say, Aldridge and Roy are an excellent foundation from which Portland can build from. A signing of Aldridge to a long-term extension will only solidify that base for the near future. Even Pritchard is mindful of this.
Aldridge Close To Signing Extension
For those of you who follow the goingson of the Portland Trail Blazers, then you know that forward LaMarcus Aldridge is in the last year of his 4-year rookie contract and is eligible for a long-term deal after that contract expires. That’s where October 31 becomes a big date on Aldridge’s and the Trail Blazers’ calendar.
Why is October 31 such a big date, you’re wondering? That date would signal the deadline for Aldridge to sign a long-term deal, otherwise, he becomes a restricted free agent in July 2010 – which means that teams can sign Aldridge, but the Trail Blazers would have the right to match other clubs’ offers.
Speaking of which, Aldridge’s progress on a long-term deal is moving along and talks are getting better, according to Jason Quick of The Oregonian. And based on comments made by team general manager Kevin Pritchard, things are looking up for all parties involved; Pritchard had this to say:
And:
Interestingly enough, Brandon Roy was in such a position; subsequently, he would ink a four year contract extension, with an option on a 5th year. The Blazers have a history of taking care of their own – so to speak – so a signing of an extension by Aldridge would not at all be surprising. Considering his numbers last season, it would make sense as he and Roy are the heart and soul of the team; Aldridge averaged 18.1 PPG and 7.5 RPG while Roy averaged 22.6 PPG along with 4.7 RPG and 5.1 RPG.
Suffice it to say, Aldridge and Roy are an excellent foundation from which Portland can build from. A signing of Aldridge to a long-term extension will only solidify that base for the near future. Even Pritchard is mindful of this.
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