The Grizzlies have made Santi Aldama a restricted free agent, which means they can match any offer that comes in for the Canarian power forward to keep him on their roster. According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype, the Memphis franchise has extended a qualifying offer to the player for one season and 5.9 million euros, thus changing his status in the market.
Having completed his fourth season and his rookie contract, the 24-year-old is not entirely free to choose his future. He could accept that modest offer from the Grizzlies, stay with the team for a fifth year and be a free agent next summer, but that seems unlikely.
There is interest from other franchises, with the Pistons being the first name to emerge. Memphis could keep him on the roster by matching whatever offer he receives.
In his fourth NBA season, Aldama has performed well coming off the bench and also when he has had the opportunity to start. He has averaged 12.5 points (48.3 percent shooting from the field and 36.8 percent from three-point range), 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 25.5 minutes. His role on both ends of the court and his versatility on offense make him a very attractive player for many teams.
According to journalist Zach Lowe, some of them, such as the aforementioned Pistons, could use an exception for non-taxpaying franchises, which is estimated to be worth just over $14 million for the 2025-26 season. The deal could be for up to four years with salary increases of 5% for each year.
Interest from both parties
The Grizzlies, who are waiting on the renewal of Jaren Jackson Jr., did not extend Aldama’s contract when they had the chance last season and the Spaniard performed well, which has revalued him in the market. This does not mean that there is no interest from both parties to maintain their relationship.
In fact, it is likely to happen, although for this to happen, Memphis would have to dig deep into their pockets by matching some of the lucrative offers that the Spanish player receives. If not, he will have a new destination in the NBA. “Wherever I am, I want us to be a team that fights for the ring,” the player said recently at the presentation of his campus.
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