Grade the Trade: 76ers steal underrated big man from West powerhouse

How trading for Santi Aldama can help Philadelphia

In a league currently infatuated with playing small for the most part, having big men who can defend, slug it out in the paint, and even step out and hit the occasional three pointer is a nice luxury to have. The Memphis Grizzlies have two of them: a former Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr., and to a lesser degree, a serviceable tweener in Santi Aldama.

A league-average three-point shooter over the last couple of years, Aldama has nicely settled into the Grizzlies rotation as one of their nightly plug-and-play pieces. He’s been Taylor Jenkins’ preferred spot starter when Jackson or Adams is out, as his 6’11” frame allows him to play both power forward and the nominal center position.

The Spaniard profiles as an intruiging role player for the 76ers who can take on multiple hats on both ends. While he’s best suited as a big stretch four next to Embiid or other centers, he can also function as a lone big man in more offensive-minded configs, something that would definitely give Nick Nurse more variance to employ offensively.

For a relatively menial contract in a sign-and-trade scenario, Aldama has the stylings and makings to be a hell of a bargain. After all, his skill set is pretty in-demand, and the 76ers should have perfect use for what he can bring to the table.