San Antonio Spurs Rumors: LaMarcus Aldridge's long-term future in doubt, DeMar DeRozan could join the Orlando Magic and more

The San Antonio Spurs made an excellent start to the new NBA season, and it appeared that Gregg Popovich's team would once again defy expectations to secure a playoff spot in an ultra-competitive Western Conference. However, the Spurs have lost six straight games to fall down the West standings, and it is evident that the roster needs a shakeup.

While the Spurs have historically avoided making mid-season moves, this year could prove to be different due to the danger of missing out on the playoffs. So, with the potential for plenty to happen, here we will take a look at all the latest San Antonio Spurs rumors you need to know.

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#1 LaMarcus Aldridge could be 'phased out' this season

Aldridge has taken a lesser role on the Spurs' offense as Popovich looks towards younger options

Over the past few years, LaMarcus Aldridge has been San Antonio's most consistent star. Last season, Aldridge averaged 21.3 points and 9.2 assists per game - earning his seventh All-Star appearance in the process.

However, Popovich has increasingly run his offense through other options this season, and Aldridge's stats are down across the board. Due to this, Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz believes that the All-Stars stay in San Antonio may be nearing an end:

The strength of this Spurs team comes from its speedy backcourt. Even looking past DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio's future revolves around two-way guards Dejounte Murray and Derrick White... He was the perfect signing to help support and carry the Spurs' veterans, it's now Aldridge who's beginning to get phased out in San Antonio.

Swartz mentions the Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics as potential trade destinations, while Aldridge has also been linked with a return to the Portland Trail Blazers.

#2 DeMar DeRozan's future with the Spurs remains in doubt

DeMar DeRozan could be traded to the Orlando Magic

Back in October, it was revealed that the Spurs and DeMar DeRozan were no closer to agreeing on a new contract extension. DeRozan can opt-out of his current deal at the end of the season, and Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer believes the Orlando Magic are among the teams that could make a move for the former All-Star:

It would surprise none of the front-office executives I’ve spoken with if the Spurs did move DeRozan... Multiple league sources say the Magic are scouring the trade market for scoring help and have already expressed interest in trading for DeRozan.

After spending nine seasons in Toronto with the Raptors, DeRozan was sent to the Spurs as part of the trade for Kawhi Leonard last season. During his first season in San Antonio, DeRozan averaged 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game, and he has once again been among their best performers this season.

#3 Aaron Gordon could be a trade target

The San Antonio Spurs may want Aaron Gordon included in a potential trade with the Ma

If Orlando eventually decides to move for DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio will be keen to receive a talented player back as part of the deal. While the Magic have plenty of young talent, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes that Aaron Gordon is the individual that the Spurs would want to sign:

If Orlando is really asking about DeMar DeRozan, the Spurs need to take those inquiries seriously... Gordon would instantly improve San Antonio's defense, and not having DeRozan around would open up opportunities for young guards Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV.

Gordon was drafted by the Magic back in 2014 and continues to be backed as a potential All-Star. So far this season, he has averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game and the 24-year-old is under contract until 2022.