
The Portland Trailblazers have come to terms with power forward LaMarcus Aldridge on an extension worth $65 million dollars over five years.
"This is a great day for the Trail Blazers franchise," said Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard. "LaMarcus is the epitome of what we're about. He's a hard-working, committed and unselfish young man who plays the right way."
After signing All-Star Brandon Roy to a five year $80 million dollar extension the Blazers ran into some snags resigning Aldridge. Aldridge wanted a similar contract to Roy but wound up settling for $15 million dollars less.
"It's a blessing and I'm very thankful," said Aldridge. "I want to thank Paul Allen, Kevin Pritchard, Larry Miller, Nate McMillan and Tom Penn for giving me the opportunity to be in Portland for many years to come. I also want to thank the Portland fans, my friends and family for all of their support. I'm really happy we got this done and now I'm really excited to get the season started."
It's great that both parties came to terms on a contract. Aldridge's game fits Portland well and with an overcrowded free agent class in 2010 Aldridge may not have landed such a lucrative contract.
Aldridge has career averages of 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.11 blocks.