With two NBA Finals games played, the NBA season is winding down until its official end. For the other 28 teams whose seasons are already over, the rumor mill has been churning. The Memphis Grizzlies' season ended with one of the participants in the Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, eliminating them in the first round of the playoffs in April.
They have already lost a starter to begin next season due to an injury during a workout (Zach Edey). They also learned about their official negotiation options for Jaren Jackson Jr. following his omission from the All-NBA team.
Another player who will be in the spotlight this offseason, Santi Aldama, will be a restricted free agent and appears to have a likely suitor. Jaren's contract negotiation and Edey's injury might confirm Aldama's status with the team moving forward.
Detroit's interest in Aldama presents an intriguing sign-and-trade option
NBA reporter Jake Fischer reported that the Detroit Pistons are in the market for a big man who can stretch the floor. The names he mentioned who they are interested in are Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid, and Santi Aldama.
He also reported that most NBA teams are projecting all three players to return to their current teams. However, the Grizzlies might have other plans following their disappointing season and the injury announcement to Zach Edey.
Aldama was the team's best offensive player off the bench this season and one of the best rebounders. However, defensively, he was a liability and contributed to the team's second-half defensive woes down the stretch of the season.
With the starting center position becoming a need again and Jaren Jackson Jr's contract extension being the main priorities, considering flipping Aldama in a sign-and-trade scenario might be what interests the Grizzlies.
Myles Turner is an unrestricted free agent, but with his impressive performance during Indiana's postseason run, including the first two games of the NBA Finals, it would be tough to envision him leaving or the Pacers allowing him to get away to their conference rivals.
Naz Reid has a player option to exercise, which most expect him to decline for a bigger deal. If Detroit is unable to bring Reid aboard, Santi becomes the next target and would bring about an interesting scenario with the centers they have on their roster.
Isaiah Stewart would check off some boxes for a Grizzlies team that lacked toughness this past season. His salary is $15 million per year, which would work well in a trade for Santi Aldama, who is projected to get between $15 million to $20 million. While Stewart is shorter than Aldama (6'8" to 6'11"), he fits the style of big the Grizzlies need.