The Memphis Grizzlies have officially tendered a one-year, $5.94 million qualifying offer to Santi Aldama, making the fourth-year forward a restricted free agent this summer.
NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the move, which allows Memphis to match any contract offer Aldama receives on the open market.
The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout 2024–25 season, where he averaged career-highs in multiple categories — 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game — while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.8% from three.
Aldama played 25.5 minutes per contest and started 16 games for Memphis, providing a reliable floor-spacing option in the frontcourt and contributing across the board on both ends.
His production continued into the playoffs, where he posted 13.0 points per game over four first-round appearances against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Originally drafted 30th overall in 2021, Aldama has developed into a rotation-level contributor on a playoff team, and his versatility is now drawing attention from several franchises with cap exceptions.
Recently, Zach Lowe said the Detroit Pistons are among the teams expected to pursue Aldama using the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is projected at approximately $14.1 million annually.
Lowe added that “that’s the scuttlebutt” regarding Aldama’s market, highlighting how multiple teams see him as a priority target heading into free agency.
Detroit, fresh off a 44–38 season and its first playoff berth since 2019, is looking to bolster its frontcourt rotation behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.
The Pistons were eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks in six games, and improving their depth at the forward spot remains a focus for the offseason.
Because Aldama holds Bird rights, the Grizzlies can go over the cap to retain him — but it may require a significant financial commitment given the demand.
Memphis ended the 2024–25 regular season with a 48–34 record before falling to Oklahoma City in the opening round.
