BREAKING: Is Santi Aldama the Game-Changer the Warriors Have Been Waiting For?
The Warriors can address the frontcourt depth issues by acquiring Santi Aldama from the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
The Golden State Warriors are expected to be aggressive in their outlook this offseason. Having laid out their plans for positional upgrades, it is abundantly clear what the team will be looking for to strengthen their roster.
The Warriors have been one of the most successful teams in the modern era. Exemplifying the "small ball" approach with Draymond Green playing a flexible and mobile center, Golden State dominated with their crisp ball movement and perimeter shooting.
Unfortunately, this tactic seems to have run its course. With the Warriors' core getting older, it is clear that the team isn't capable of playing the same high-octane brand of basketball anymore, thus necessitating a pivot from the pre-existing form.
This has led the organization to identify some core elements to help restructure the team to facilitate winning. With this, the need for big men and wing players became a priority.
The Dubs have been linked to several big men in trade rumors in the offseason, showing a very distinct trait of versatile offensive players with sharpshooting skills.
While many targets have been deemed a challenge to acquire, owing to their contracts, we take a look at a trade proposal to help the team solve their problems without compromising too many key roster elements.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Santi Aldama
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Noah Clowney, Keon Johnson, 2026 first-round pick swap (GSW)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Moses Moody, 2030 second-round pick (GSW)
Given that Aldama will be an unrestricted free agent heading into the summer, this deal will have to be a sign-and-trade for the Grizzlies. However, the likelihood of receiving value for what would have otherwise been virtually nothing could be enticing for Memphis.
The Warriors Add Necessary Length With Aldama
The addition of Santi Aldama would be crucial for the Golden State Warriors next season. The Spanish forward has shown a lot of potential during his time with the Grizzlies and the Spanish national team, and at only 24 years old, he could be a key piece for the future as well.
At 6'11", Aldama boasts tremendous skill at his size. His versatility as a playmaking big man was showcased last season with the Grizzlies. But the forward's game isn't predicated only on his fundamental skills. He has also shown great mobility and athleticism at his size. This has made him a menacing defender, capable of guarding multiple positions owing to his switchability.
Last season, the Grizzlies forward recorded an average of 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists with the team. Having played a vital role on offense, Aldama also showcased an incredible stroke from outside the three-point line, notching 36.8% shooting from beyond the arc for the season.
Aldama slots in very comfortably into Golden State's current rotation. Acting as a flexible frontcourt piece between Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, the forward could do well to fill out the Dubs' starting rotation.
The Grizzlies Acquire Pieces For The Rebuild
The Memphis Grizzlies made a shocking move by trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic recently. Considering the massive impact this trade has had on the roster makeup, the consensus suggests that the Grizzlies are cruising for a rebuild.
At the current juncture, star players such as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. may be viewed as "untouchable". Thus, the effort of clearing cap space begins with offloading other contracts and acquiring expiring ones.
In this trade proposal, the Grizzlies acquire Nets players Noah Clowney and Keon Johnson, along with a 2028 first-round pick swap from the Warriors.
The addition of Clowney could fill out the vacancy created by Aldama. The 6'10" forward recorded an average of 9.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in the limited minutes he played for the Nets before sustaining an injury.
In this time, he showcased great offensive ability, along with some scope for developing into a legitimate perimeter threat as well. At only 20 years old, Clowney has a lot of room to grow, and with two years on his contract, he is a very expendable asset as well.
Keon Johnson was a key part of the Nets' rotation last season. Having played in 79 games for the team, the 23-year-old guard recorded an average of 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
While his shooting figures are rather underwhelming, it is important to note that Johnson is on a very friendly contract. With a $2.3 million cap hit next season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the Grizzlies can look to shed more salary with him on the payroll.
The 2028 first-rounder from Golden State could have value, but because it is a pick swap, it is difficult to gauge how much it is worth since the Warriors can easily claim it. With protections in place, the trade chip could become more of an asset.
The Nets Land A Versatile Two-Way Guard
Moses Moody is an extremely promising asset. Should the Brooklyn Nets acquire him as part of the deal, he could be a vital catalyst in seeing the Nets' backcourt rotation improve.
Moody is a solid two-way guard. Although he hasn't received much playing time with the Warriors, the 23-year-old has showcased a lot of upside whenever he has stepped on the floor.
Last season, Moody recorded an average of 9.8 points and 2.3 rebounds on shooting splits of 43.3% from the field and 37.4% from beyond the arc. His constant defensive effort may not be reflected statistically, but the quality of his play was a factor in the team's success.
Moody is on an extremely team-friendly contract, earning $11.5 million next season with three years left. When looking at the Warriors' trade assets, it becomes clear that they will look to offload him this season to make improvements. With this in mind, the Nets would do well to snatch him up at this stage.
The Warriors Win This Trade
While this trade has certain benefits for each team involved, it is fairly clear that the Warriors stand the most to gain. Santi Aldama isn't the missing piece, but he is certainly a key piece in helping the side transform into a title contender next season.
Golden State's efforts in sorting out their roster issues will be met with some challenges, all the same. But the addition of a sharpshooting big man will help redirect their attention to other necessary aspects that need addressing.