PORTLAND, Ore. (UPI) -- The Portland Trail Blazers signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension Thursday, the team said Thursday.

The deal was completed five days before the start of the 2009-2010 season.

"I want to thank the Portland fans, my friends and family for all their support," Aldridge said. "I thank the Trail Blazers for giving me the opportunity to be in Portland for many years to come."

Aldridge averaged a career-high 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 81 games last season. The Trail Blazers fell to Houston in the opening round of the playoffs, during which he averaged 19.5 points a game. He has been with Portland for three seasons.

"This is a great day for the Trail Blazers franchise," Portland General Manager Kevin Pritchard said. "LaMarcus is the epitome of what we're about. He's a hard-working, committed and unselfish young man who plays the right way."

Portland acquired Aldridge from Chicago in a draft day trade June 28, 2006. Chicago had selected Aldridge in the second round.




Copyright 2009 by United Press International

__________________
"Testing: CoolsatPro 4000, FLU-Pansat/Puff/LZMA, Pansat2700A & ViewsatExtreme 2000 for educational purposes only"

Tired of waiting days for fixes? Click here to get 3000 channels.. NO DOWNTIME, Guaranteed!