Grizzlies just gifted Spurs perfect trade target after shocking blockbuster deal

With news that Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. has been traded, the San Antonio Spurs should be actively seeking to upgrade their roster. This is especially true if they can capitalize on a potential fire sale by the Grizzlies.

Memphis has plenty of talent, despite being a mediocre team, and one potential trade target could actually help San Antonio as they ramp up for the playoffs. Santi Aldama is a 7'0" power forward who is quietly having a strong season.

The Grizzlies' big man is averaging an impressive 14 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 35.3% from three on 4.1 3-point attempts per game. With him under contract for three more seasons at around $17.4 million annually, the Grizzlies might be willing to move him. Assuming the price is right.

The Spurs must steal Santi Aldama from the Grizzlies

The Grizzlies trading Jackson Jr. before the trade deadline certainly sounds like they are ringing the dinner bell for other teams to make an offer on some of their best players. I fully expect that Ja Morant is going to be moved to the highest bidder.

This is especially true given that Memphis has already traded Desmond Bane and Jackson Jr. for a boatload of picks in the past six months. They are no doubt trying to shed salary and rebuild through the draft.

That's smart on their part because they weren't going anywhere with this roster. Hopefully, that means that they will listen to offers for Aldama, which could help San Antonio solve two problems.

Aldama is a capable shooter as well as a solid cutter, so he'd help the Spurs with their spacing concerns. He'd also help them shore up what is clearly their weakest position at power forward, and not just for this season, but for the next two years.

The Spurs would likely have to ship out Kelly Olynyk and Jordan McLaughlin's expiring contracts as well as a 2028 first-round pick. However, that could be worth it.

Aldama may be the perfect trade target for the Spurs

That potential trade package ultimately wouldn't cost the Spurs very much. Apart from a first-round pick likely to be in the 20s, Aldama could potentially be a borderline starter for the Spurs. Better still, Aldama is barely 25 and has two years left on his contract.

An up-and-coming Spurs team, in need of a long-term answer at power forward, could benefit even more from Aldama. As far as fit, he could thrive playing with multiple slashers and a star big man in Victor Wembanyama.

The fact he is playing well on a sinking Grizzlies ship proves he's an undervalued player and someone the Spurs should target. That might not be as attention-grabbing as, say, a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it would solve two big Spurs concerns for a reasonable price.

It will ultimately come down to the Grizzlies. If they are willing to part with Aldama, and the price is right, then the Silver and Black should absolutely trade for him.