Santi Aldama would be one potential trade target I’d like to see the Wizards explore

Aldama is heading into his fourth season with the Grizzlies.

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Wizards are projected to have approximately $26 million in cap space in 2025. They’ll likely still be far away from being ready to compete so a good use of that cap space would be on younger players who potentially have untapped upside.

Memphis Grizzlies big man Santi Aldama is one young player I’d like to see the Wizards kick the tires on. He’s eligible for an extension and Memphis may not be able to afford to keep him given the money they’ve already committed to their frontcourt and the recent drafting of Purdue center Zach Edey.

Aldama, a 23-year-old, 6’11 stretch big, was drafted 30th in 2021 out of Loyola (MD). In his third season in Memphis, he started 35 of 61 games and averaged 10.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and .9 blocks. He made 35% of his 5 three-point attempts per game last season but I would expect him to improve on that number over time given the touch he displays in other parts of his offensive game.

While his overall block numbers may not stand out, Aldama has become a really effective rim-protector. Dan Favale of Bleacher Report recently pointed this out in one of his articles about most underrated players in the league.

“Memphis won’t typically use Aldama as its primary big, but he’s turned into a savvy help rim protector,” wrote Favale. “Opponents last season shot 56.7 percent at the rim when challenged by him, a mark right in line with teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. (56.1 percent) and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (56.6 percent). That stinginess could wane if Aldama serves as the de facto 5, but that look is worth testing out in higher volume anyway.”

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The Wizards went from having no competent frontcourt players last season to a potential glut of centers but none of their current options seem like realistic long-term running mates for Alex Sarr. Jonas Valanciunas could be traded by the trade deadline, Richaun Holmes is almost 31 years old and a marginal player currently, and Marvin Bagley has had trouble staying healthy thus far in his career.

Aldama has untapped ability as a creator for others and one of Sarr’s lone offensive bright spots during Summer League was his short-roll passing. The two of them could combine to make one of the best-passing frontcourts in the league. Aldama’s stretch potential would help make up for Sarr’s current lack of shooting ability better than any of the Wizards’ current centers. And the two of them could be a mobile duo that could interchangeably switch when needed but also protect the rim.

If the Wizards opt not to offer Corey Kispert an extension or decide he’s not a part of their long-term future, that might make for an intriguing framework for a trade between the two teams. Memphis could use more floor spacing and may find Aldama expendable, so Kispert makes sense as a target.

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