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The Grizzlies weren’t done with the first round after selecting Zaire Williams 10th overall, as they made a trade with the Utah Jazz to make a pick at 30th overall for the second year in a row.
Memphis is targeting Santi Aldama at No. 30, per sources. https://t.co/FeTJvKcPvp
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
The trade is a bit surprising with guys like Miles McBride and Jared Butler still on the board, but the Grizzlies clearly see something in Aldama who is from Spain but played two seasons at Loyola, Maryland.
In those two seasons, Aldama averaged 19 points per game, 9. 2 rebounds and a combined 2.7 blocks/steals per game. Aldama had a solid second season with Loyola, averaging a 20-10 double double. He also shot nearly 60% from 2-point range while shooting 37% from beyond the arc.
The 6-foot-11 Spanish forward and former MVP of the U18 European Championship is coming off an outstanding season in which he averaged 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds 2.3 assists and 1.7 blocks, shooting 59% from 2-point range and 37% for 3. Season highlights: pic.twitter.com/1iv82fjm6Y
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2021
The Grizzlies sent the 40th overall pick, acquired in the trade with New Orleans, along with two future second round picks to the Jazz to select Aldama at 30th overall.
Memphis is sending No. 40 and two future seconds to Utah for No. 30, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/YACkZgjerK
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
It’s been an odd draft for the Grizzlies, after the success of the last two seasons. That said, the Grizzlies have yet to miss on a draft pick since the new regime took over so we will see how things play out.
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