Here’s the full scoop in ~1,000 words on the breaking news: a Memphis Grizzlies center is set to sign a $63 million deal with another NBA team.
🏀 What’s the Deal?
Veteran Spanish big man Santi Aldama, currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, is poised to sign a four-year, approximately $63.2 million contract via the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) with a team like the Detroit Pistons. The contract breakdown:
- 2025‑26: $14.104 M
- 2026‑27: $15.232 M
- 2027‑28: $16.361 M
- 2028‑29: $17.489 M
- Total: $63.186 M (heavy.com)
That’s a significant raise for Aldama, who has carved out a valuable role despite being a backup.
🔍 Why It Matters
📈 Backup with Starter-Level Production
Last season for Memphis, Aldama averaged:
- 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists per game
- Shot 36.8% from 3PT on ~5 attempts/game (nbcsports.com, cadenaser.com, heavy.com)
He often fills in as a floor-spacing “big” alongside other frontcourt starters like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey—bringing mobility, spacing, and shooting to a position often filled with bruising post players.
💸 Market Comparison
MLE deals are becoming lucrative paths for rotation players:
- Naz Reid recently secured a $125 M deal with Minnesota for similar production (heavy.com).
- Aldama’s deal (~$63 M) could be considered a bargain for his shooting and skill set.
🤝 Pistons (and Others) Have Money to Spend
Detroit is reportedly shopping at Aldama’s position, targeting center/power-forward types who can stretch the floor. They’re in a cap-friendly situation and could offer the full MLE. Aldama’s skill set aligns well with Detroit’s needs (heavy.com).
⚠️ What This Means for the Grizzlies
🏠 Restricted Free Agent Status
Aldama is a restricted free agent—that means Memphis can match any offer sheet he signs. But matching the full MLE package may be tough, especially as they allocate cap space toward a massive $240 M max extension for Jaren Jackson Jr. (washingtonpost.com).
🔧 Roster Implications
- Lose key rotational piece: Aldama is a starting-caliber backup whose departure would leave a hole in Memphis’s frontcourt depth.
- Need to plug the gap: Memphis will be short at the stretch five spot unless they pursue a cheaper replacement via trade, free agency, or internal options like Jay Huff or fellow Spaniard Juancho Hernangómez.
💸 Financial Priorities
Memphis has to juggle two big priorities:
- Lock in-ish Jaren Jackson Jr. with the max extension
- Retain Aldama or walk away and find value elsewhere
Their decision will signal whether they prioritize top-end talent or depth and spacing.
📊 Aldama in Context: Why He’s Valuable
| Attribute | Aldama’s Strength |
|---|---|
| 3PT Shooting | 36.8% on 5 attempts/game from the five spot (cadenaser.com) |
| Playmaking | 2.9 assists/game – adding ball movement from the center spot |
| Efficiency | Stretch-style floor-spacing role akin to modern power forwards |
| Age & Upside | At 24, offers both current value and growth potential, with comparable players receiving even larger deals |
🏀 For Memphis: Strategic Dilemma
Option 1 – Match the Offer
- Retain depth and maintain rotation stability.
- But sacrifices future flexibility, especially as they invest heavily in Jackson Jr.
Option 2 – Let Him Walk
- Explore cheaper alternatives—maybe re-sign a cheaper big or pivot to a different player type.
- Opens cap space for other needs but creates a frontcourt spacing hole.
🔮 What Comes Next
- Aldama signs offer sheet (likely mid-July).
- Memphis has 48 hours to match it.
- Front office decision time: Are they prioritizing Jackson or rotation depth?
This might be Memphis’s most pivotal roster decision this offseason.
🎯 Bottom Line
Memphis faces a tough choice:
- Pay Aldama (~$63 M) to retain their stretch-5, or
- Let him go and bank future flexibility alongside a massive Jaren Jackson Jr. deal.
Either direction will shape their frontcourt identity for the 2025–26 season. This is one of those offseason moves that will echo into their next campaign.
