The NBA trade season is heating up, and the Memphis Grizzlies are right in the middle of the action. With the deadline looming, front offices around the league are working the phones, and while much of the spotlight has been on Ja Morant’s situation in Memphis, another name is quickly gaining traction: Santi Aldama.
Aldama, the 6-foot-11 forward, has quietly turned himself into a valuable piece for the Grizzlies this season. Averaging a career-best 14 points per game, along with 6.7 rebounds and three assists, he's shown the kind of versatility that playoff-caliber teams crave. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s doing it efficiently and within the flow of the game, making him a prime target for contenders looking to bolster their frontcourt depth.
And teams are definitely calling.
According to reports, multiple contending teams have expressed serious interest in acquiring Aldama. That’s not surprising when you look at the full picture.
He’s under contract through the 2027-28 season at $17 million annually-a manageable number for a player producing at his level. That kind of long-term control, especially for a 23-year-old still on the rise, makes him a valuable asset in today’s cap-conscious NBA.
But here’s the catch: Memphis isn’t going to let him go without a substantial return. The Grizzlies are in a tricky spot.
They’re sitting 11th in the Western Conference at 18-25, still within striking distance of the Play-In Tournament but clearly facing some tough decisions about their direction. Trading Aldama would signal a shift toward retooling, but the front office isn’t likely to make that move unless the offer is too good to pass up.
Meanwhile, the Ja Morant storyline continues to hover over everything in Memphis. While there’s been no movement on that front, the noise around him isn’t going away. The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly shown strong interest in acquiring the explosive point guard, even going so far as to piece together what’s being described as a “substantial trade package.”
Chris Conner, a well-known voice in Pelicans circles, didn’t hold back when discussing the potential fit. “We’ve seen Ja Morant close out games.
Every time he comes to New Orleans, he closes it out. He doesn’t lose in the city,” Conner said.
“They will not lose another home game ever again if Ja is a Pelican.”
That’s obviously hyperbole, but it speaks to the level of excitement Morant could bring to a team like New Orleans-a group that’s already built a strong foundation but could use a superstar to elevate them into true contention.
Back in Memphis, the focus remains on the court, at least for now. The Grizzlies’ next test comes against the defending champion Denver Nuggets at FedExForum.
With the trade deadline inching closer, every game-and every player performance-carries just a little more weight. Whether it’s Aldama’s rising stock or the ongoing Morant drama, the Grizzlies are a team to watch as the NBA’s trade winds continue to swirl.