Blazers solidify their core by signing F Aldridge to 5-year deal

Aldridge signs 5-year extension

PORTLAND, Ore. — With forward LaMarcus Aldridge’s contract extension, the Portland Trail Blazers solidified the core of their team for the next five years.

During the summer, the Blazers signed guard Brandon Roy to a five-year extension. On Thursday, they did the same with Aldridge.

Both players were brought in by the Blazers through draft-day trades in 2006, as Portland distanced itself from the so-called “Jail Blazers” era.

With the Oct. 31 deadline looming, the Blazers needed to strike a deal with Aldridge or he would have become a restricted free agent next summer.

Aldridge signed a deal that with incentives could pay him nearly $70 million.