The Memphis Grizzlies were one of the NBA's biggest disappointments this season. Despite cruising as the No. 2 seed for much of the year, a late-season collapse led to Memphis falling into the Play-In Tournament and being swept in the opening round.
As they look to make offseason moves, the Grizzlies are among the many teams linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the end of last month, Bleacher Report's Dan Favale named Memphis a team that could make a "surprise push" for Antetokounmpo.
As they weigh the possibility of making a run at Antetokounmpo, the Grizzlies could be in danger of losing one of their most important frontcourt players.
Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman.
Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman.
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In his latest for The Stein Line, NBA Insider Jake Fischer revealed the Detroit Pistons could be a threat to lure Santi Aldama from Memphis.
"I’ve also heard that the Grizzlies and other teams believe the Pistons could emerge as a possible threat to pursue restricted free agent Santi Aldama as well," Fischer reported
The Pistons don't have a lot of cap space, but they have enough to go after some of the better free agents this offseason. Like anyone in their shoes, Detroit wants to spend their money wisely to address their biggest needs.
Fischer clarified that Aldama is expected to stay with the Grizzlies, but the Pistons' interest in him may stem from their desire to add a player of his archetype.
"Make no mistake: Most NBA teams are projecting Turner, Reid and Aldama to all return to their incumbent teams," he wrote. "Yet it’s still instructive to learn that a good bit of Detroit’s due diligence has focused on an adding a sweet-shooting 7-footer to J.B. Bickerstaff’s rotation, The Pistons don’t currently have any."
Aldama will be a restricted free agent this offseason. Pending any surprises, he'll be back with Memphis for the 2025-26 season. However, the Pistons may sign him to an expensive offer sheet to make the Grizzlies pay up for him to match.