The Memphis Grizzlies are headlined by stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., but they dealt their third-leading scorer this season to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. They turned 26-year-old guard Desmond Bane into four first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Cole Anthony in the NBA's first blockbuster trade since February.
While stacking draft capital is a rebuilding type of move, the Grizzlies don't want to deal Morant or Jackson, via ESPN's Tim Bontemps. Morant is under contract through 2028, but Jackson is scheduled to hit free agency next summer, and the Grizzlies have already decided they want to extend him.
Memphis is working on a way to get financial flexibility for Jackson's extension, via Action Network HQ's Matt Moore.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7).
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7).
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
“Memphis, I’m told, is hopeful of being able to work out a sign-and-trade for Aldama, but the money is a consideration with their need to clear space for [Jaren Jackson Jr.]’s extension,” he reported.
Following this, Moore provided some additional clarification.
"Of note on the Santi Aldama stuff, he falls in the category of 'they might just be canvassing his value before re-signing/extending,' which a lot of guys fall into," he added on social media.
Aldama is a restricted free agent, meaning the Grizzlies can retain him by matching any offer sheet that he signs with another team. The 24-year-old averaged 12.5 points on 48.3 percent shooting (36.8 percent 3 PT) with 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists over 65 games this season.
The Utah Jazz drafted Aldama No. 30 overall out of Loyola Maryland in 2021 before Memphis acquired his rights. The seven-foot, 215-pounder averages 9.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting (34.5 percent 3 PT) with 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists across his career.