The NBA offseason is officially here after the conclusion of the NBA Finals, which ended with the team that ended the Grizzlies' season winning the championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder became the second team in the last four years to win the NBA Finals after eliminating the Grizzlies in the playoffs, following the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
Although the Grizzlies already made an offseason move before the Finals concluded with their trading of Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic, more moves are expected for the franchise that is looking to compete with the Thunder. Santi Aldama was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate before the team's freefall in the second half of the season and appears to be the top name on the free agency market.
He is a restricted free agent, which means the team can match any offer he receives, and all indications lead to the Grizzlies wanting to retain him. However, depending on the value he receives, utilizing him as an additional asset to their compensation received in the Bane trade should be on the teams' minds as the free agency bidding war begins.
Santi Aldama has significant interest on the free agent market
According to the Daily Memphian writers Chris Herrington and Drew Hill, Santi Aldama may have potential interest from the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Atlanta Hawks. This speculation follows NBA correspondent Marc Stein's report that the Pistons are seeking frontcourt options who can space the floor, with Aldama being one of their potential targets.
At 24 years old, the 6'11" combo forward is coming off his best season and playoffs as a pro as he averaged a career-high 12.5 points and 6.4 rebounds on 48.3% shooting from the field, including 36.8% from three during the regular season. He upped that production to 13.0 points on 41.7% shooting from three in the Grizzlies' four-game sweep at the hands of the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
While his defense is a question, along with his struggles against physicality, Aldama has a unique skill set for his height that many teams would covet. Also, the free agent market is limited with players projected to return to their current teams, leading to Aldama becoming one of the best available. While the Grizzlies' first priority is extending Jaren Jackson Jr., addressing Santi Aldama is a close second.
If he receives a nice offer from an opposing team, the Grizzlies will have a tough decision on whether to match the offer or pursue a sign-and-trade (which has been speculated as well). Regardless, Aldama is an asset the Grizzlies have to use this offseason, either by executing a sign-and-trade deal, re-signing and utilizing him in a future trade, or re-signing and making part of their core for the foreseeable future.