LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs to Part Ways; SAS Reportedly Engaged in Trade Talks

LaMarcus Aldridge's time with the San Antonio Spurs is coming to a close. 

According to multiple reports, Aldridge and the Spurs have decided to part ways, and the team is exploring trade scenarios:

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters the following Wednesday regarding Aldridge:

Aldridge, 35, is averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. He's no longer the dangerous offensive threat he was in his prime, and his defense has always been an issue. 

With Aldridge on the court this season, the Spurs have been outscored by 5.6 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com. When he sits, however, the Spurs outscore opponents by 3.1 points per 100 possessions. It's a sizable shift, especially for a Spurs team that has started a surprising 18-14 this year and is currently in position to secure a playoff berth.

With the Spurs transitioning to a core built around young players like Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV, cutting ties with Aldridge makes sense.

It might not be the easiest trade to orchestrate given his $24 million salary, but contending teams in need of a rotational big will likely have interest:

Aldridge is the latest big-name veteran to cut ties with his team midseason, following Blake Griffin (bought out by the Detroit Pistons before signing with the Brooklyn Nets) and Andre Drummond (being shopped by the Cleveland Cavaliers). 

After parts of six seasons with the Spurs, Aldridge will soon be moving on.