It San Antonio Spurs fans are eager for the team to make a big move in free agency. But less than 1 hour into the off-season, they have already lost out on a big potential target.
It was announced by Shams Charnia that the Memphis Grizzlies will be re-signing big man Santi Aldama to a 3-year, $52 million contract. While he was always a long shot for the Spurs, he would have been the perfect fit in San Antonio.
At 6’10, Adama had the size of a big man but provided enough shooting to space the floor. Now, he will be under contract for the next three seasons with a division and conference rival. Hopefully he won’t be too much of a thorn in the Spurs’ side over the next few seasons.
Who should the Spurs target in free agency?
It is no secret that the Spurs are in desperate need of frontcourt help. They only have Victor Wembanyama under contract at center at the moment. They will likely need at least two more centers, given how poorly they played last season when he was off the court.
Luckily, the Spurs have several potential options in free agency, and they will also have access to the full mid-level exception worth $14.1 million and the bi-annual exception worth $5.6 million.
Boston Celtics big man Luke Kornet, Philadelphia 76ers center Guerschon Yabusele, or Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela are all currently available, but that could obviously change soon.
Adding any of the above would help to bolster the Spurs’ weakest position. Doing so would go a long way to getting them back to the playoffs for the first time in six years next season.
All told, the Spurs losing out on Aldama is disappointing considering how well he would have fit next to Wembanyama. Then again, they should have plenty of other free agent targets to fill their biggest positional need at center.
