Clippers eye LaMarcus Aldridge

An NBA source told me that the Blazers have made multiple trade inquiries, including one with the Clippers regarding Aldridge. Makes sense, given Olshey's connections there. So it appears that they're testing Aldridge's value in the same way they tested Brandon Roy's value before giving him that max deal. I like this, obviously. But you don't trade Aldridge now unless someone knocks you over with an offer.

Don't worry --- I don't think Paul Allen is going to give Aldridge away. He's been burned too many times before in trades. It would have to be a sweetheart deal, even lopsided, for him to pull the trigger with two years remaining on Aldridge's contract. The caveat, of course, is the notion that Aldridge may have already told the Blazers he wants out.

I don't blame the Blazers for insisting behind the scenes that Aldridge would never be shopped, all while seemingly shopping him. They're playing a leverage game. Proposition Joe would never tip his hand.

Neil Olshey, Portland GM, remained silent on Wednesday. We won't see him until Thursday, after the draft.