If the Boston Celtics are going to make a splash at the trade deadline, it will almost certainly have to be for a frontcourt player who can play center. This player must also fit into Boston's timeline when Jayson Tatum returns, and be on a team-friendly contract for multiple years going forward. One name that comes to mind that the Celtics would be wise to target is Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies are seemingly rebuilding. After trading Desmond Bane in the offseason, Ja Morant is reportedly on the trade block, kickstarting a new era of Grizzlies basketball. This means that any veteran with trade value should be acquirable by the Feb. 5 deadline.
Aldama checks all the afore-mentioned boxes and would be an ideal fit for Boston without requiring a haul or breaking the bank. The Celtics should be able to acquire him by sending Anfernee Simons and a first-round pick to Memphis.
Celtics Should Consider a Santi Aldama Trade Before Feb. 5 Deadline
In this scenario, John Konchar was included to help salaries meet CBA regulations, but the details of the trade could change. The Celtics could add more draft capital or put protections on the first-round pick, depending on how interested each side is in making the deal. Conceptually, however, turning Simons into a versatile big man like Aldama makes plenty of sense.
Aldama is not a traditional center in the mold of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. The 6'11 Spaniard spends as much time guarding small forwards as he does centers. He can put the ball on the floor, pass, and shoot from all over the court. He is not elite at any of these offensive skills, but can do a little bit of everything to be a solid rotation player. He is a career 34.4 percent shooter from downtown and can provide spacing from the center position, something Joe Mazzulla has historically preferred.
Defensively, Aldama can't guard the biggest brutes in the league, but can hold his own against most bigs and wings. He has intriguing size and length, making him a decent rim protector and a help defender. He can get bullied by traditional centers, but he is a solid rebounder and interior presence.
Having just turned 25, Aldama has room for development. He has been gradually improving since joining the league, currently averaging career highs in minutes per game, usage rate, defensive box plus/minus, and assist percentage.
Under contract for $18.4 million this season, Aldama would save Boston some money compared to Simons' contract. Plus, he is due $17 million next season and has a team option for the same amount for the 2027-28 season. Considering his production this season, chances are Aldama will be well worth that contract next season, making him a fascinating trade target for the Celtics.