LaMarcus Aldridge Writes Goodbye Letter to Rip City

Today LaMarcus Aldridge left the Portland Trail Blazers in free agency and committed to sign with the San Antonio Spurs. Behind him he left crushed hopes and a letter to the Blazers fan base, delivered through Oregonian columnist John Canzano in this article.

The text of the missive, as relayed by Canzano:

Dear Rip City, Thank you!

Those two words on a page don't begin to express the gratitude I have for the opportunity the entire Trail Blazers organization, my teammates, the media, and you fans gave me. The past nine years have been a blessing, and I will take all of the valuable memories with me as I head back home.
As I'm sure you can respect, my decision was a very personal one but not one I took lightly. Although I will be wearing a different uniform the next time I come back to Portland, please know that I will always hold my time in a Blazers uniform near and dear to my heart.

Your friend, LA