The Memphis Grizzlies wasted no time addressing key offseason moves. Within the first 30 minutes of NBA free agency, they renegotiated and extended Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract — and followed it up by reaching a three-year, $52.5 million agreement with restricted free agent forward Santi Aldama, according to Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
Despite a limited number of teams having the cap space to outbid the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $14.1 million, Aldama was expected to draw attention in free agency. The Detroit Pistons, in particular, were reportedly showing “heavy” interest in the Spanish forward. But Memphis managed to keep him in town following his breakout campaign.
While full financial details of the contract haven’t been confirmed, cap analyst Yossi Gozlan noted, “The deal could be frontloaded, with the Grizzlies able to start it as high as $19 million due to their luxury tax flexibility.”
Aldama officially became a restricted free agent when the Grizzlies extended a qualifying offer to him the day before free agency opened.
The 2024–25 season saw Aldama post career highs across the board, averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, along with a 36.8% clip from three. He elevated his play even further in the postseason, averaging 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc in four playoff games.
With Aldama, Jaren Jackson Jr., and 2024 lottery pick Zach Edey (who is recovering from ankle surgery), the Grizzlies are building a formidable frontcourt core for the future.
