Blazers sign Aldridge to extension, waive Udoka and Collins

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension.

The terms of the deal have not been announced. The Blazers were in Vancouver, British Columbia, for an exhibition game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

The Blazers scheduled a news conference in Portland on Friday.

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.

Meanwhile, the Blazers waived forward Ime Udoka and center Jarron Collins, bringing their roster to 15 players for the start of the season next week.

Both Udoka and Collins were vying for the 15th spot, which went to draft pick Patty Mills, who is out with a broken foot.

Udoka has played five seasons in the NBA, including a previous stint in Portland. He averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 18.8 minutes in five preseason games.

Collins, who played eight years with the Utah Jazz, played in four preseason games with an average of 3.5 points, two rebounds and 14 minutes.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.