The Memphis Grizzlies will have several players become free agents this offseason, the most notable of which may be Luke Kennard or Marvin Bagley III, if going off of notoriety. Santi Aldama and Kennedy Chandler will also become free agents. Among those players, the Grizzlies have determined that Aldama is a “priority” re-signing, per The Athletic’s John Hollinger.
It’s worth mentioning that in late November, Aldama expressed his desire to be in Memphis for the long haul. The 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the big man has been a fixture in the Grizzlies’ rotation since 2022-23. This season, he’s posting career-high in multiple categories, including: points per game (12.8), rebounds per game (6.7), assists per game (2.6), steals per game (0.8), field goal percentage (.494), and three-point percentage (.386).
Why Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama Is A Priority Free Agent
The Grizzlies really have great big man depth. Their starting lineup features twin towers Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey. Their second unit includes Aldama, Brandon Clarke, and GG Jackson II. Their end-of-bench reserves are Bagley and Jay Huff, the latter of whom was in the rotation prior to Jackson II’s return.
At several points this season, this depth has caused complications within their rotation. The biggest victim has been Edey, though it’s possibly due to his rookie status. The reality is that he’s needed an adjustment period as an NBA center; a position that’s long been considered the most difficult to transition to at the pro level.
With that in mind, Aldama’s ability to play small forward allows him to play alongside multiple big men, despite being 6-foot-11. This has helped prevent what could have been an even tighter logjam for minutes. It also makes him somewhat of a master key, given his ability to fit within several configurations.
He can play beside Jackson Jr. and Edey, Jackson II or Clarke, or Jackson Jr. and Jackson II. The most that will change is his point of emphasis. Perhaps it’s stretching the floor. Maybe it’s playmaking or crashing the boards.
Whatever it is, Aldama’s their man.
What Will The Grizzlies Pay Him?
When assessing Aldama’s free market value, finding a player who has similar age, production, and tools can be beneficial.
The Las Palmas native is relatively unique in that regard, but there are two players who he may be comparable to: Houston Rockets forward-center Jabari Smith Jr. and Indiana Pacers forward-center Obi Toppin. Smith is a bit more impactful as a defender and Toppin is more springy. Nonetheless, there’s general overlap in their size, statistics, and age.
Smith is still on his rookie scale contract, having only been drafted in 2021. Nevertheless, he’ll make $12.4 million next season. Toppin, on a four-year contract, will make $13 million in 2024-25 and his salary will raise about $1 million until 2027-28. As a result, it’s possible that Aldama will be getting paid around $13 million annually in his next contract.
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