Source: Blazers close to contract extension with LaMarcus Aldridge

Blazers, Aldridge close to contract extension

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers are close to signing forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a contract extension, a person close to the situation told The Associated Press.

The five-year deal is expected to be completed within the next two days, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn’t final.

The Blazers need to strike a deal with Aldridge to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent next summer.

Aldridge, the second overall pick in the 2006 draft out of Texas, was acquired by the Blazers in a draft-day trade from the Chicago Bulls. Last season, he averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds.

The Blazers were in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.