3 not-so-obvious untouchable Grizzlies ahead of NBA trade deadline

Time is dwindling on NBA trade season and there's still no clear indication regarding what the plan is for this Memphis Grizzlies team.

Though the recent Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman transactions may have one believing the club is looking to simply serve as sellers, recent rumblings suggest there are at least a few players scattered across the association that have garnered the attention of GM Zach Kleiman.

Regardless of what their agenda may be ahead of February 8, one can safely assume that the likes of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson will be staying put beyond the aforementioned cutoff date, as they are the clear trio that headline the roster's "untouchable" category.

However, when looking at the other players found under contract, there appear to be several others who could easily have an argument of being viewed in a similar vein.

Not-so-obvious untouchable Memphis Grizzlies players

While they're far from being considered stars, there are without question a few other not-so-obvious members of the Grizzlies that should be held out of trade discussions leading up to this year's deadline.

3. Santi Aldama

Throughout this incredibly challenging, injury-ravaged 2023-24 season, Santi Aldama has consistently proven to be a bright spot for this Grizzlies squad.

Amid a career-best campaign, the power forward is posting impressive per-game averages of 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just shy of a block per game while shooting 35.7 percent from distance.

If this year has taught the Grizzlies anything, it's that having quality positional depth is vital, as the injury bug is capable of going on a biting spree at any moment.

With this, having a 7-foot tweener big within their reserves who can space the floor, maneuver in the paint, and protect the rim is a must-have, especially with the discomforting injury resumes of both Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr. along with the team's curious state of the center spot.

While taking this along with the fact that he's still just 23 years old and is under contract through next season at just a $3.9 million clip into account, there's an argument to be made that Aldama is safer than almost anyone outside of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and perhaps even Marcus Smart.