LaMarcus Aldridge thanks Portland in letter to fans

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The Portland Trail Blazers have had to learn to cope with loss this summer.

Independence Day aside, basketball fans in Oregon have had little to celebrate, as their favorite NBA team has experienced an exodus of stars and role players alike. But it was the departure of former franchise player LaMarcus Aldridge, the most recent blow to a roster that has dwindled faster than Donald Trump's business partnerships, that officially signaled the end of an era in Portlandia.

On Saturday, Aldridge sent out a thank you note to Rip City fans, via the Oregonian's John Canzano:

Dear Rip City, Thank you!

Those two words on a page don't begin to express the gratitude I have for the opportunity the entire Trail Blazers organization, my teammates, the media, and you fans gave me. The past nine years have been a blessing, and I will take all of the valuable memories with me as I head back home.

As I'm sure you can respect, my decision was a very personal one but not one I took lightly. Although I will be wearing a different uniform the next time I come back to Portland, please know that I will always hold my time in a Blazers uniform near and dear to my heart.

While the sting of Aldridge's exit may still be fresh, time will tell how Blazers fans receive this recent development.

It was only a year ago that Aldridge stated he was happy with his status in the Northwest and that he wanted to be "the best Blazer - ever." On Saturday, reports surfaced that this statement, which may seem disingenuous in retrospect, was crafted by Blazers general manager Neil Olshey, and not by his star power forward.

Adding to the drama surrounding the situation was the prediction of Aldridge's free agency transition made by now ex-assistant coach Kim Hughes, who claimed, days before the event actually happened, that the four-time All-Star was a goner.

Now, Blazers floor general Damian Lillard must prove more adaptable than ever, as the composition of his roster will be drastically different in 2015-16. With Aldridge and Wes Matthews both Texas-bound, Nicolas Batum joining MJ's team, and Robin Lopez taking a bite out of the Big Apple, the only remaining starter from last season's 51-31 squad will have to familiarize himself with a new batch of running mates.

Aldridge spent his entire nine-year career in a Blazers uniform. No player in franchise history has grabbed more rebounds than him (5,434), and he sits fourth in the team's all-time scoring rankings. He likely would have surpassed Clyde Drexler for the top spot on that list next season.