The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2025 NBA offseason with enough salary cap room to have access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which would allow them to sign a free agent to a deal beginning at $14.1 million. However, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s pending contract renegotiation will likely cut into the Grizzlies' cap room, which would only allow them to use the $8.7 million mid-level room.
However, along with the Grizzlies' unrestricted free agents Luke Kennard, Lamar Stevens, and Marvin Bagley III, Santi Aldama will be a restricted free agent. The team can either negotiate a contract with him, allow him to sign elsewhere with the ability to match, or utilize him as a sign-and-trade piece to obtain another player.
The Golden State Warriors have a similar situation with Jonathan Kuminga, and the Grizzlies would be wise to inquire about a potential swap of the restricted free agents.
Jonathan Kuminga fills a need
Kuminga's fit with the Warriors has been uneven under Steve Kerr's leadership, leading many to believe he and the team will agree to a split this offseason. He averaged 15.3 points this season, mostly as a reserve forward, and would be a good resource for the Grizzlies to have as a bench scorer.
His defensive versatility also makes him an intriguing player for the Grizzlies to look at acquiring. Every move comes with its advantages and disadvantages, and Kuminga would be no different. Santi Aldama isn't the best defensively, but he is one of the Grizzlies' most reliable shooters coming off the bench.
Ironically, the Warriors need more shooting around their core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, just like the Memphis Grizzlies. Jonathan Kuminga shot a career-low 30.5% from three this season. While the Grizzlies still need more shooting, Kuminga has upside as a scorer and defender that could be useful in their games against quality opponents.
Kuminga did shoot 40% from three on 3.1 attempts per game in eight playoff games for the Warriors, so the ability and potential are there. The Grizzlies and Warriors might be rivals on the court, but they can agree that making a sign-and-trade swap of Santi Aldama for Jonathan Kuminga would help both teams accomplish what they want to do with their rosters.
The Grizzlies are in the business of offering their fans the best chance they have at winning a title while Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. enter their prime years. Obtaining a player like Kuminga could be the final piece to their puzzle that takes them from good to great.