The NBA trade deadline is 18 days away, and the Memphis Grizzlies remain on the fence about making a big-time move or seeing what they have with their full roster intact. Second-year wing GG Jackson will likely make his return to the court sometime this week.
Also, veteran guard Marcus Smart and third-year wing Vince Williams Jr. are projected to return sometime afterward, if not within the same time frame. However, the team won't have enough time to know how to perceive the entire group because of the limited amount of time before the deadline.
While the front office seems set on targeting a veteran 3-and-D player they may have to consider trading one of their best players this season to complete a deal.
Santi Aldama is a hot trade commodity
The Sixth Man of the Year candidate has risen back to fourth in the FanDuel Sportsbook odds (+1700) for the award after falling out when he missed six games due to an ankle injury.
After struggling with his shot in his first three games back he got back on track in the Grizzlies back-to-back set in San Antonio against the Spurs last week. He averaged 24.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 55.8% shooting from the field, and 40% from three in their two victories against the Spurs.
ESPN's Bobby Marks mentioned Santi Aldama's name as the Grizzlies' "blue chip" prospect to include in a blockbuster deal on The Ringer's Ryen Russillo's podcast. He mentioned that Jake LaRavia's expiring contract limits what a team trading for him could offer him this summer which led him to Santi Aldama, who the Grizzlies would likely want to keep.
Aldama has an expiring contract as well, but he will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Grizzlies can match any deal he is offered, unlike unrestricted free agency when a player is available for any team to sign without any restrictions.
Aldama's versatility to play multiple positions at his 7'0" size makes him unique and tough to trade. However, if the Grizzlies want to take a swing at a starting-caliber veteran wing, he will likely have to be considered to execute a deal of that caliber.
Regardless of what transpires over the next two and a half weeks, the Grizzlies are in a unique position where they have the talent and veteran leadership to compete for a title. The biggest question is the health and experience of the role players, which can be said about the other current top-seeded teams in the Western Conference.
They may deem Santi Aldama's value as too high to deal and that will be just fine for the current makeup of their team. However, if they are willing to deal him in a blockbuster deal, it could solidify their standing as a championship contender.