FILE – San Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge, right, drives against Oklahoma City Thunder’s Steven Adams during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
Veteran San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge became a free agent Thursday after the team bought out the remainder of his $72 million contract.
A move to the Miami Heat is viewed as most likely, multiple outlets reported, while the 6-foot-11 center is expected to explore offers from multiple teams.
Aldridge, 35, was in the final year of a three-year deal he signed in 2017. He was making $24 million this season, his 15th in the NBA, with The Athletic reporting he gave back $7.25 million in salary to facilitate the agreement.
A former second overall draft pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2006 out of Texas, Aldridge has averaged 19.4 points and 8.3 rebounds over 1,024 career games (980 starts). A seven-time All-Star, Aldridge has played for the Portland Trail Blazers (2006-2015) and the Spurs.
He is one of six players in Spurs history to record at least 7,000 points and 3,000 rebounds with the team, joining David Robinson, Tim Duncan, George Gervin, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.