Buckner: Blazers Coach Terry Stotts Says LaMarcus Aldridge Trade Rumors Are "Unfortunate"

Candace Buckner of The Columbian reports the latest comments from Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts regarding trade rumors that are swirling around All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge.

"Unfortunately, there (are) a lot of rumors in the NBA. We don't really comment on rumors," Stotts said. "You go with every team, there (are) a lot of rumors out there. I'm not necessarily going to comment on LaMarcus. It's just unfortunate that things like that are out there when there hasn't really been comment on either side."

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"I expect him to have a career year next year," Stotts said. "LaMarcus is a pro, he's been very consistent and he's a central part of our success next season."

Craig Birnbach of KATU queried Stotts on the subject at the coach's first Portland-area basketball camp.

Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com reported that Aldridge's representatives met with Blazers GM Neil Olshey in Las Vegas to discuss trade possibilities.

Sekou Smith of NBA.com recently wrote that Aldridge can't be blamed for wanting a change of scenery.

Olshey told Blazersedge last week that his discussions with Aldridge would remain private, but that Aldridge was "pleased" with Portland's 2013 offseason.

Stotts told Blazersedge last week that he's received no indication of unhappiness from Aldridge this summer.

Earlier this summer, Aldridge told multiple media outlets, including The Oregonian, that he had not gone to management to demand a trade.

"I haven't demanded a trade," Aldridge said in the e-mail.

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"I'm looking forward to who we sign in free agency to make us better," Aldridge said in the e-mail.

Aldridge also replied "no" to a fan asking on Twitter asking him whether he was leaving the Blazers.

Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune reported that Aldridge told a reporter that he did in fact go to Olshey to request a trade.

Haynes previously reported that Aldridge "loves Portland" but is interested in a trade if substantial improvements to the roster aren't made. The Bulls and Dallas Mavericks were listed as his desired destinations.

Jason Quick of The Oregonian reported that Aldridge "wants out" of Portland and believes the city is "too small" and "too boring." Blazers GM Neil Olshey was quoted as saying that he wasn't making outgoing trade calls about Aldridge but that he would listen if the phone rang, and that Aldridge hadn't yet issued a trade demand.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter