The Detroit Pistons are reportedly one of several NBA teams preparing to pursue Santi Aldama in free agency using the full mid-level exception, according to Zach Lowe.
On the latest episode of The Zach Lowe Show, Lowe shared that “at least that’s the scuttlebutt” he’s heard regarding Aldama’s market, adding that teams with the full MLE — such as Detroit — see the 24-year-old forward as a priority target this summer.
Aldama, who just completed his fourth season with the Memphis Grizzlies, will be a restricted free agent after the expiration of his four-year, $10.2 million rookie deal.
The 6-foot-11 big man is coming off his most productive campaign, averaging 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 25.5 minutes per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc.
He also started 16 games for Memphis during the 2024–25 regular season and posted a 13.0-point average over four playoff contests.
Aldama’s versatile skill set — including floor spacing, rebounding, and ball movement — has drawn interest from multiple clubs that hold the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which projects to be around $14.1 million annually.
Detroit, which secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 44–38 record and made its first postseason appearance in five years, is expected to seek frontcourt depth behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.
Because Aldama is restricted, Memphis can match any offer sheet. However, retaining him may require the Grizzlies to spend above the MLE using his Bird rights.
Lowe noted that if multiple teams put down full mid-level offers, “they’re going to have to pay to retain him.”
The Grizzlies finished the 2024–25 regular season at 48–34 and were swept in the first round by top-seeded Oklahoma City. With frontcourt depth already featuring Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Xavier Tillman, Memphis faces key financial decisions.
Aldama, originally selected 30th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, has increased his production in each of his first four seasons and is now positioned for a significant pay raise.
