Grizzlies Lock In Santi Aldama On Sweetheart Deal Of $52.5 Million

The Memphis Grizzlies have re-signed forward/center Santi Aldama to a three-year deal worth $52.5 million, and that should be widely seen as a major steal.

Aldama, 24, has long been one of the more underrated big men in the league as he displays a three-point touch, a solid presence on the glass, and underrated playmaking for someone nearly seven feet.

What’s his role?

It is worth noting that while Aldama has now been taken care of, so has Jaren Jackson Jr, who signed for $240 million over five years. This, combined with last year’s drafting of Zach Edey, does raise questions about Aldama’s long-term fit.

Well, that’s where his $17.5 million per year will come in handy. Aldama’s compensation level allows him to seamlessly scale up from thoroughly-used backup, to starter, in event of injury.

Additionally, Aldama can play both the four and the five, suggesting he can play with both Jackson Jr and Edey, providing him with a heavy set of established minutes.

For a spot starter, who is one of the most productive backup bigs in the league, you can certainly live with the aforementioned compensation level, especially if he one days ends up starting full-time.

His salary will work as an asset

An added benefit to Aldama’s contract is how this allows Memphis to make major moves, should the need ever arise. While the organization is heavily married to Jackson Jr, there is a level of safety in knowing Aldama is around, on an extremely manageable deal, should the Grizzlies enter a major re-tooling process.

Or, alternatively, if the franchise find themselves closing in on a title, using Aldama’s contract as a trade chip itself will be seen as an attractive piece. Teams will easily fork over assets for that deal, and should he be included in a larger package, that’s something teams will see as a positive return.

However Aldama will be used, be that as a contract to flip later, or as a keeper, there’s not question the Grizzlies just nailed this contract.

Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.