Heavy’s Matt John thinks that Santi Aldama, the trade deadline acquisition’s former Memphis Grizzlies teammate, would be a contender for a trade if the Boston Celtics decide not to re-sign Xavier Tillman Sr.
“The Celtics already acquired one of Smart’s teammates in Memphis, Tillman, at the deadline,” John began by stating, “If Tillman leaves in the offseason, Aldama might be worth looking into.”
In the offseason, Tillman is a free agent, and Brad Stevens and company would probably find it more difficult to hold onto him if the Celtics win the title. Any available player with championship experience on Boston’s roster would undoubtedly be pursued by teams around the league; this could include Tillman, a seven-footer who may not play much but will likely compete for minutes from Luke Kornet due to a calf injury.
Santi Aldama cannot compete with the Boston Celtics on the trade market.
Unfortunately, the Grizzlies’ severe injury toll during the 2023–24 season thrust Aldama into a larger role than was anticipated for him. Though most would agree that Ja Morant’s season-ending shoulder injury, which occurred nine games after his return from a 25-game ban, was perhaps the most devastating, Marcus Smart’s many injuries were the hardest for Celtics fans to accept.
Aldama rose to the situation, netting the Grizz just under 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game from the frontcourt despite Memphis’s lack of players. In summary, those were good figures.
However, the Spanish forward’s 35% 3-point shooting percentage left a lot to be desired. And not for nothing, but Mike Muscala was a big man with a similar shooting profile who was owned by Boston for four months before he was traded.
At a comparable price, the Celtics are superior to Aldama. Without having to give up any assets like they would have to give up for Aldama, the Cs can probably get a rookie or G-League riser who can do well in Summer League.
