Plano, Texas — The Dallas Mavericks addressed their need for frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting in one move Wednesday, trading for Santi Aldama in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. Dallas shipped out AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 first-round pick via Golden State, and two future second-round picks to complete the transaction.
Aldama brings a 7-foot frame and a reliable outside stroke to the Mavericks. He averaged a personal-best 14.0 points to go with 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season while canning 35 percent of his three-pointers on 4.7 attempts a night. The Spaniard's season concluded in March when he underwent knee surgery, though he is anticipated to be available when the new campaign begins.
The Mavericks acquired more than just Aldama. Dallas also obtained the draft rights to Tarik Biberovic, a 2023 second-round pick of Memphis who remains overseas with Fenerbahce in the EuroLeague. Biberovic has built an eight-year professional career in Turkey and could eventually make the jump to the NBA.
Johnson, the outgoing piece, was a 2024 first-round selection of the Bucks who joined Dallas at the trade deadline. The 21-year-old saw action in 23 games for the Mavericks, posting 3.9 points per game in a reserve role. Memphis, which had already dealt Ja Morant to Portland on Monday, added the protected Warriors pick and two additional second-round selections to its growing collection of future draft capital.
